What is Mary Sue?
Mary Sue / Garry Stu is one of the most used terms by the readers for criticizing a character.
What is Mary Sue (Garry Stu)?
Mary Sue/Gary Stu refers to a character who is seemingly perfect and lacks any meaningful flaws. These characters tend to be unrealistic and frustrating for readers because they overshadow other characters and create a lack of tension in the story.
The term originated in a parody short story titled “A Trekkie’s Tale” written by Paula Smith in 1973. This story was published in a Star Trek fanzine called Menagerie and satirized the trend of excessively idealized female characters appearing in Star Trek fan fiction.
In the parody, Mary Sue is: 15/12 years old and the youngest Lieutenant in Starfleet history, a Half-Vulcan with various unexplained psychic abilities, admired by Captain Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, saves the ship single-handedly, able to effortlessly solve complex problems and many more.
There are three main elements that create a Mary Sue character. These are:
- Flawless and Overpowered: Mary Sues/Gary Stus are often portrayed as incredibly talented, beautiful/handsome, and universally loved. They excel at everything they do, possess improbable skills, and lack any significant weaknesses.
- Instant Solutions: These characters tend to solve problems effortlessly, often overshadowing the contributions of other characters or diminishing the need for growth and development.
- Lack of Conflict: Since they’re so perfect, Mary Sues/Gary Stus don’t face genuine challenges or internal struggles. This creates a lack of tension and makes the story predictable or uninteresting.
However, It’s important to remember that-
Not All Idealized Characters are Mary Sues/Gary Stus:
- Well-Developed Characters: A complex and well-developed character can possess exceptional skills or beauty, but they should also have flaws, vulnerabilities, and a journey of growth.
- Avoiding the Trope: Skilled writers can create strong characters who are admirable without being flawless. They face challenges, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences.
Remember, Mary Sue/Gary Stu is a spectrum. A character might exhibit some of these traits but still be engaging if they have a well-rounded personality and face genuine challenges.
So, the next time you encounter a seemingly perfect character, consider if they’re a Mary Sue/Gary Stu or simply a well-developed character who deserves the spotlight.
