How to Avoid Writing a Mary Sue Fiction Character

Mary Sue characters are found in much beginning fiction, especially fan fiction. They are to be avoided at all costs. But what is a Mary Sue character, and why are they bad?

Beginning fiction writers often have trouble creating believable characters. Some seem to create fiction as an extension, or escape, from their own boring life.

A Mary Sue character is injected into a story so that the writer may live vicariously through them. They are usually perfect, beautiful, and directly responsible for the story's happy ending. Mary Sue characters get the most handsome male character, are friends with all the rest, and never messes up.

Top Tips to Avoid Writing a Mary Sue Character

Fiction characters are supposed to represent real people within the world you create. Readers need to be able to identify with your characters, sympathize with them, and really get to know them.

If your character is a Mary Sue, readers might simply come to resent them. No one likes a perfect person who can do no wrong.

The best way to avoid writing a Mary Sue character is to keep yourself out of it. See your fiction characters as real people and not puppets in your made-up world.

What Can You Do If Your Character is a Mary Sue?

The first step in fixing your Mary Sue character is admitting that you have one. If the character in your fiction writing is intended to be you, it might be hard to change her. However, it is essential for quality fiction.

Give your Mary Sue character a flaw. This flaw can be physical, but even a woman with a wart on her nose will get annoying if she still gets the hot guy, saves the world, and gets a great deal on the cutest pink skirt.

Personality flaws will push your Mary Sue character into the realm of believability. Everyone has personality flaws, and your characters should too.

How to Justify Keeping Your Mary Sue Fiction Character

If your sole intention in creating a Mary Sue fiction character is to give your own ego a boost, leave her alone. After all, this is what Mary Sue characters are created for.