The Evolution of Mary Sue Characters: Examining Their Impact and Transformation in Fanfiction

When discussing fanfiction, the term Mary Sue comes up frequently. A Mary Sue is a character who embodies the perfect version of their creator's desires and often becomes a controversial figure due to their typically unrealistic and egocentric nature. This article will delve into the definition of a Mary Sue character, explore examples of these characters in popular fanfiction, and discuss the conditions under which a Mary Sue can evolve into a more developed and beloved character.

What is a Mary Sue Character?

Originating from fanfiction, a Mary Sue is a character who excels at everything, often to an impractical extent. The term can be traced back to the field of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), but it has since gained widespread recognition in the literary and fanfiction communities. A Mary Sue is characterized by several key traits:

Irresistable physical beauty A wide array of seemingly innate talents and abilities A tragic backstory Zero major flaws or weaknesses

The purpose of creating a Mary Sue is often to project the creator's ideal self-image, hence the concept of self-wish-fulfillment. While these characters can appear in various types of media (including fanfiction, TV shows, and books), they are most commonly associated with fanfiction due to the subjective nature of these works.

Examples of Mary Sue Characters in Fanfiction

One of the most infamous examples of a Mary Sue character can be found in the highly controversial and widely criticized Harry Potter fanfiction known as the Worst Fanfiction Ever (also known as NKSFWR). The protagonist in this story is a deeply flawed example of a Mary Sue, displaying unrealistic perfection and a tragic backstory that overshadows the plot. Many elements of this character, such as their beauty, skills, and backstories, are exaggerated to a point that detracts from the overall narrative.

Another example includes fanfiction written in a modern setting. Consider a character named Emily in a contemporary romance fanfiction. Emily is described as having long, perfectly straight hair, a flawless complexion, and an impeccable fashion sense. She is a brilliant athlete, an accomplished musician, a gifted artist, and a prodigious academic. Furthermore, her past is riddled with tragedy, making her relatable to certain readers despite her overtly idealized nature. Such a character might be considered a Mary Sue if the author has not developed her beyond these initial traits.

Can a Mary Sue Character Evolve into a Better One?

Although the term Mary Sue is often used as a criticism, there are instances where a character initially labeled as a Mary Sue can evolve and become a more compelling and well-rounded entity. This transformation can occur in several scenarios:

Character Development Over Time: The author may choose to refine and humanize the character over time. By introducing realistic flaws and contradictions, the character becomes more believable and emotionally resonant. Thematic Relevance: If themes of overcoming perfectionism or learning from one's strengths and weaknesses are explored, a Mary Sue can provide profound insights into the characters' growth and development. Motivation and Backstory Refinement: A more intricate and nuanced backstory can add depth to a once-generic character, making them more relatable and compelling.

For instance, despite the unrealistic aspects of Emily, if the story delves deep into why her past tragedies have made her the person she is today, and how she learns to navigate her myriad talents, she could become a complex and interesting character. Similarly, in the Worst Fanfiction Ever, if the author revisited and refined the initial portrayal of the protagonist, perhaps by giving her more humane and understandable disadvantages, the character might garner more positive reception from readers.

Conclusion

The term Mary Sue is a tool used to critique unbalanced portrayals of characters in fanfiction or other forms of media. However, it is important to recognize that these characters do not necessarily remain one-dimensional or static. Through thoughtful character development and thematic exploration, a character once seen as a Mary Sue can transform into a fully fleshed-out and engaging entity. Understanding and appreciating this potential for growth can lead to more dynamic and fulfilling narratives in fanfiction and beyond.