How To WRITE Awesomely

How NOT to MAKE A MARY SUE

How NOT to MAKE A MARY SUE

Mary Sue? Who is that?

What is that? What is the definition of a Mary Sue? Mary Sues are the annoying characters in a book. The super whiny ones. The stereotypical characters that gives all fanfiction a bad name. And let me tell you, you will know if you make Mary Sue's. Every single one of my characters is different. I try not to duplicate the same personality twice, and I hate to make annoying characters. Trust me, I wouldn't be ranting about this if I did this myself.

For you fanfiction junkies and writers, here are some tips to make your characters better.

To Avoid Making a Sue:

#1: Don't make your character similar to a cannon character.

While some canon characters have vague pasts that can be manipulated, a frequent and recognized trait of a Mary Sue is to be related in some way to a canon, especially one who has a strongly established past already. Your readers may find it hard to believe that the canon character has a sister he never mentioned or a son she doesn't remember.

Basically, don't make your characters related in any way to a cannon character especially if it is already established that said character has siblings.

#2: Make your character part of the already assembled cast, maybe even have a small part.

Your original character should not constantly be the center of the universe. Let the other characters have moments away from your new character where they don't talk or think about the new character.

Your character is NOT the center of the story, it is also the cannon characters stories, so your MC doesn't have to be involved in everything. Stealing the parts of the other characters is pretty much messed up and unnecessary.

#3: Let cannon characters share the spotlight with your characters.

Remember why they're there. Your readers want to read about the canon characters, that's why you're writing a fan-fiction.

#4: Pick realistic names. Like bro.

Pick a name that fits with the fandom. You can't have an elf named Jane in Lord of the Rings, it makes no sense. And it would just be weird if you had some person named Jeffery in Naruto.

Don't use your name, or a variation of your name. It just screams "MARY SUE."

#5: Give your character flaws.

Ones like impatience, obsession with looks and trouble making friends are examples of flaws within the character. They should be flaws that have real consequences for the character in his or her life and advance the story forward.

Faults are what make a real ORGINAL character, and as I mentioned in the first chapter, How to MAKE A PERFECT CHARACTER, imperfections are what make them perfect. Makes them more relatable.

#6: Make things hard for your character.

One of the most annoying things about Mary Sues is how easily everything comes to them: fighting skills, special talents, strong relationships, special powers that appear just in time to save the day, etc. If your character has to struggle and deal with real problems your readers will start to feel for her. If she does everything perfectly with no real adversity, they'll start to hate her.

People aren't perfect, so neither should your characters be.

#7: Avoid making your character look like or have similar traits like you.

If you do so, you might as well start a diary as everyone has a different personality and should have to freedom to choose what they want to do, so do not base their decisions on your personal opinions, beliefs etc. This makes the story far more interesting and also makes the writing more of an interesting journey for you, stretching your writing abilities.

#8: Give different characters different reactions to your character.

Look at the original work you're drawing from. Do all of the protagonists always agree or act the same way? Of course not. Take the canon characters' personalities into account and craft believable reactions to and relationships with your newcomer.

Perhaps one will hate him/her, one may fall in love with him/her, another may just ignore him/her.

#9: Don't make your character the BEST.

Give the glory to an established character or make it a real team effort.

#10: Tread carefully around ROMANCE.

Mary Sues are constantly winning the love of a character the author really likes or fixing up two previously unattached characters the author thinks should be together. Romance is possible in fan-fiction, but give it time to make it more realistic.

#11: TAKE YOUR TIME !!

One of the biggest flaws of Mary Sue stories is that things happen far too quickly. It will probably take a while for your new character to become really close to the canon characters, or be in a position to accomplish lots of amazing things. Go slowly. You can always write a sequel.

I have trouble with patience, but I do know when things are going way too fast. Moving in with a cannon character after meeting them and falling in love is NOT what I would call paced.

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Well those were my ways to avoid being a Mary Sue. Hopefully you'll realize what you need to change about your OC and make your fanfiction AWESOME!

Also, I would like to dedicate this chappie to Endless_Seas, because she made a chapter in her fantastic book, Why Our Fanfiction Flipping Suck! It really inspired me and cracked me up! Please check it out.

Next time: How to WRITE IN MALE POV