[HPforGrownups] Mary Sue

[Star Opal]

No: HPFGUIDX 94712

>Please forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is a Mary Sue.I keep
>coming across this name but haven't a clue what it means.  Is it an
>American expression?
>Sylvia (English and confused)

I don't know if this has been answered already, but just incase. Also, I 
didn't want to go on list since technically its OT.

Okay, a Mary Sue is (usually) an original female character created for 
fanfiction. She is perfect and thus considered annoying. Most of the 
characters falls in love or take to her right away. Plays an instrument, is 
beautiful, animals adore her, and she can do no wrong. She also has a lesser 
known "brother" Gary Stu. Same thing only the male version.

While not all original characters are bad, having one labeled a Mary Sue is 
the ultimate worst.

S/He are present in all fandoms not just HP and is known generally well. I 
have no idea where the name started but its been around for a good decade 
and no doubt started in the Star Trek fandom like most Fanfiction terms. But 
I'm not positive on that last bit.

Some really good websites that say what the dreaded siblings are and how to 
fix or avoid them are  here:

http://www.amandaswiftgold.com/ronins/editorials/editorials.htm

http://missy.reimer.com/library/guide.html#5

http://missy.reimer.com/library/marysue.html

Hope that helps!

Star Opal
"I have great faith in fools -- self confidence my friends call it." Edgar 
Allan Poe

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