Before we get into this, I'm warning you that it will be opinionated. I have no problem with people disagreeing with what I have to say, but I will have a problem if you're not going to be respectful about it. I have the right to speak my opinion just as you do. If you're sensitive to this sort of thing, It's probably better for you to find another project. The purpose of this project isn't to attack or harass anyone in particular. While I will use real examples, it is not my intent. I apologize if it seems that way. Anywho, onto the rant. I hate this term. It's not because I find it offensive, but because of often it’s used by OC “Critics”. I get frustrated when it's used in place of specific and helpful criticism. When you simply comment , “This character is a Mary-sue." you're not giving real criticism. Let me explain, "Mary-sueism" is a subjective thing. Some people consider any female, pink-haired magical girl to be a “mary-sue” while others may see them as simply being female protagonists. By labeling a character “Mary-sue” you’re making the assumption that the creator believes the same thing you do. The receiver probably won’t have any idea what they need to revise unless you actually tell them. It’s the same when you use “Edgy” or “Cringy” in the same sense. Also, I think the whole concept of “Mary-sue” character traits is ridiculous. So, by having magical abilities and being female, my character is bad? It seems silly to me that the most of the common “Mary-sue” traits alone doom a character to “Mary-suedom”. Many of them can indeed be written in ways that are interesting a believable. Just because you don’t like a certain trait in characters doesn’t mean everyone else should. I don’t think It’s right to tell people to limit their creativity just because you consider a trait “Cliche” or “Overused.” As long as there is more to the character than a cliche, I don’t see why it’s such a big deal. While I believe most “Mary-sue” traits can be written believably, I only consider two traits Auto-sue material. Over-Idealism and Shoehorning. I don’t think making Idealized characters is always bad. However, it’s obvious when a character exists purely for the purpose of idealism. When an author puts too much effort into the things they find appealing rather than what makes them functional as a character, the resulting character is not redeemable. Shoehorning is when the author forces the character with the main cast in a way that is canon breaking. Unless you’re putting in the effort to write a decent AU that explains this and adds to the original work. Typically, jamming a random character into the main cast is very difficult to write within the canon. What do Sans, Harry Potter, and Sollux have in common? T̶h̶e̶y̶'̶r̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶l̶i̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ ̶w̶i̶t̶h̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶l̶a̶d̶i̶e̶s̶ ̶ They’re all well-loved male characters with those “Mary-sue” traits. I don’t understand why people tend to be as critical of female characters, when they enjoy similar male characters that possess those dreaded “Mary-sue” traits. “But Eddie,” you say, “There is a term for male Mary-sues, they’re called Gary/Marty-Stus/sues/stews!” Tell me, how many times have you heard this used? Heck, we all can’t even agree on what a male mary-sue should be called. I understand that it is intended to be a feminine term, but it still doesn’t mean male characters are exempt from it. Characters of any gender are equally likely to be just as badly written/underdeveloped. I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal when people make these characters to begin with. It’s common for people to leave critiques on character references, and OC creators may not always be kind in return. I understand if someone is going into a writing field or is asking for criticism, and they won’t take the advice they’re looking for. However, most of the people who make these characters are doing it for fun. (That doesn’t mean it’s right for them to be rude in return) What does it matter if their character is bad? They were created for the author’s enjoyment, not for perfection. It is their character. While you do have full right to give your opinion, that doesn’t mean the creator has to agree with it. I hate those Deviantart rant videos where people start witch-hunts just because somebody made a bad character or won’t take criticism. Again, I don’t understand why it’s such a big deal. If someone isn’t listening to your advice, the only person they’re hurting in the end is themself. It’s not really worth the drama. In conclusion, I think that this term and the criteria that makes characters “Mary-sues” is ridiculous. In general, you people need to calm down. You know it’s bad when the rage player of all people has to point it out.
