Flawless Flaws: The Problem with Mary Sue

If you’re a writer, and have trolled the Internet as much as I have, then you’ve probably run across the term “Mary Sue,” or as I would call it: The Writer’s F-Bomb. Why? Well, mostly because it has become a derogatory character description that equates to “I hate this character.”  The term “Mary Sue”, or “Sue”, refers to a character who, in essence, is perfect. This character is generally a gratification figure for the author and the reader; someone who they can relate to and root for, someone they want to be. Any character, fan or original, can be branded with it. This isn’t necessarily bad as much as it is boring, and can leave those not enchanter by his/her perfection wondering what the hell happened when s/he saves the day.

Of course the above definition is incomplete, there are tons of things that can earn a character the label of “Mary Sue,” depending on the readers interpretation. 

Through my experience with creating characters, and reading about others, there is one basic trait that I think trumps all the others. This would be the issue of flaws. People in real life are full of flaws, things that have serious and negative effects on their lives. A “Sue” can have flaws, but mostly because their creator is trying to justify other traits. The problem is, most “Sue” flaws have no real consequence. 

Take for example, one of the most common “Sue” flaws, clumsiness. Some writers have gone so far as to say that their character is so clumsy that they could trip over their own shadow. If that’s the case I expect that story to be set in a hospital. But it isn’t; because when it really matters, when that character is in a tough situation, when the bad guy is about to open a can of whoop-ass, that character busts out some insane Kung fu action and doesn’t even scuff a nail. 

Another common “Sue” flaw is that of “anger issues.” Now, anger is a real problem for people, depending on how out of control they might get and how they focus that energy. But a “Sue” doesn’t necessarily have those problems. Yeah, they get pissed off, they might beat up on their friends and family, they might even kill someone. Yet, they still have friends, their family doesn’t attempt to help them, and the local police let them off with a warning because they are just such a good person. 

Along those same lines is the issue of mental illness. A character can be hyper-depressed or have a completely anti-social personality and not be considered a “Sue.” But if that character is not effected by social stigma, or even by some of the staple problems associated with that disorder, it isn’t a flaw.

To be honest, I wouldn’t really consider clumsiness or mental illness alone to be good character flaws. This is mainly because it’s a common plot point (unless you’re writing a tragedy) that the character will have to, in some way, overcome that flaw to accomplish their goal. Clumsiness isn’t exactly something you can just get over; and, though some mental illnesses can be helped, the violence oriented ones that are attached to “Sues’” either aren’t easy to treat or can’t be treated at all. 

What it boils down to is this: give your character flaws and make sure they have consequences. Don’t feel bad about giving them problems, because that’s what makes them relatable.