Mary Sue 👸✨

Meaning

A fictional character, typically female and new, who is unrealistically idealized, perfect, and lacking in flaws.

Origin

The term 'Mary Sue' emerged from the fan fiction community, specifically from a 1973 Star Trek fan story titled 'A Trekkie's Tale' by Paula Smith. In this story, she created a character named Mary Sue who was a young, exceptionally talented, and universally loved Starfleet recruit who solved every problem and impressed everyone. Smith later explained that she meant the character to be a parody of the idealized, perfect characters often found in fan-made stories. The name caught on like wildfire, becoming the go-to label for any character exhibiting these overly perfect and unbelievable traits, whether in fan fiction or published works.

📅🕰️ 20th 21st century

Mary Sue represented with emoji👸✨

This playful pairing of a princess and sparkling ✨ evokes the notion of the 'Mary Sue,' a character archetype that sometimes graces our narratives with an almost too-perfect glow. Note how the emoji, with its inherent simplicity, invites a dialogue on idealized characters and the ways we perceive perfection, not just in fiction, but in our own reflections.

Examples

  • The author's attempt to create a compelling protagonist resulted in a total Mary Sue.
  • Many readers found the character to be a classic Mary Sue, with everyone falling in love with her instantly.
  • Her sudden mastery of ancient magic was a sure sign that this new hero was destined to be a Mary Sue.
  • Beware the arrival of Agnes, for she might just be the most powerful Mary Sue ever to grace the dusty pages of a forgotten fairytale.

Frequently asked questions

Can a 'Mary Sue' character be male?

Yes, while the original 'Mary Sue' was female, the term is now commonly used to describe any idealized and flawless character, regardless of gender. The core concept of an unrealistic, perfect protagonist applies universally.

Is 'Mary Sue' always a negative term?

While often used critically, the term 'Mary Sue' can sometimes be used playfully or even as an affectionate descriptor by fans who enjoy the idealized nature of a character. However, its primary connotation remains one of unrealistic perfection.

What's the opposite of a 'Mary Sue' character?

The opposite of a 'Mary Sue' character would be one who is deeply flawed, relatable, and struggles significantly to achieve their goals. Such characters often have clear weaknesses and undergo substantial personal growth through overcoming adversity.

Did the creator of 'Mary Sue' intend the term to be critical?

No, Paula Smith, who coined the term, originally intended 'Mary Sue' to be a parody and satire of idealized fan fiction characters. She created the character to highlight the absurdity of overly perfect protagonists.

Similar to "Mary Sue"

Chosen One
Like 'Mary Sue,' this character is destined for greatness and often unrealistically capable, but 'Chosen One' emphasizes prophecy and grand destiny rather than just being a perfect protagonist
Deus ex machina
Both point to convenient, often unearned resolutions, but 'Mary Sue' describes a character who *causes* these convenient plot turns through her sheer perfection, whereas 'deus ex machina' is the sudden plot intervention itself
Gary Stu
This is the male counterpart to 'Mary Sue,' capturing the same essence of an unrealistically idealized character, but specifically for male protagonists

Opposite of "Mary Sue"

Tragic hero
Instead of effortless perfection, this character is defined by a fatal flaw that leads to their downfall, arguing that true compelling narratives come from relatable imperfection and struggle, not unearned success
Underdog
This character is defined by their struggles against overwhelming odds and their clear imperfections, highlighting that compelling stories often arise from relatable vulnerability and earned victories, not inherent, flawless superiority

Related to "Mary Sue"

Wish fulfillment
'Mary Sue' is often the embodiment of a creator's wish fulfillment, projecting an idealized self or desire into a story.
Plot armor
The unrealistic invulnerability of a 'Mary Sue' is often a manifestation of plot armor, where the character is protected from harm or consequence simply because the plot demands their survival or continued perfection
Self-insert
A 'Mary Sue' character can frequently function as a self-insert, where the author unconsciously or consciously places an idealized version of themselves into the narrative.
Creator's pet
Often used interchangeably or as a precursor to 'Mary Sue,' this term highlights how the character benefits from the author's obvious favoritism, leading to their improbable successes