[HPforGrownups] Is Harry is a Gary Stu? (was: Mary Sue)

[EnsTren at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 94749

In a message dated 3/31/2004 10:15:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, bufo_viridis at interia.pl writes:

> To be a MS/GS charcter needs to be self insert AND be badly written. Disregarding he first one, the second condition is 
> not fullfilled, so Harry is not a GS.
> 

Eh...no.  Self Insters are /Usually/ Mary Sues, and visa versa, but they don't have to be.

Likewise, you can write a good fic with a Mary sue, it's just very very hard.

Infact, Mary Sues can be hidden in good technical aspects, even a moderately passable story line.  But that doesn't meanit's not...

I think the best description for a Mary Sue is "cheap"

Furthermore, the prevalance of "Harry Sues" (putting harry over the top.  In Buffy there are "Willow Sues") in fanfic is because...well he's already one, but so "stupid" he doesn't take advantage of anything.  Harry Sues are usually "Shape up" fics.

> Cheers, Viridis
> P.S. Probaly soom we'll be discussing Tonks :)

Nemi