Mary Sues and How To Avoid Them

From USS Andronicus: System X

Mary Sue Characters are the scourge of any RPG, text based or otherwise. No one likes a self-centered, overly dramatic (or traumatic), unbelievably lucky jack of all trades. They are the ball hogs of role playing. If you’re new to all this, the first character you create will probably be a Mary-Sue by accident if you aren’t careful. Need help? You’ve come to the right Wiki. Here’s a thorough definition, several tips on avoiding the dreaded Mary-Sue, and even a Mary-Sue litmus test!

What is a Mary-Sue Character?

A Mary-Sue character is a character that is written to glorify its writer’s ego, to make one’s self look cool and be as powerful or attractive as possible. Mary-Sueing is bad. Avoid it. A security-tactical officer with a broadsword strapped to his back, who gets all the women (or men) and/or has flaming red hair will be keelhauled. Of course, having some things about you that smack of Mary-Sueness isn’t necessarily bad, but if you score a 42 on the test, talk to me and we’ll figure out what needs to be fixed and what doesn’t. If you want a more in depth explanation, visit Wikipedia’s article. It tells you more than you ever cared to know about Mary-Sues.

The Mary Sue Test

The Mary Sue Test is designed to help role players, young and old, create good characters and avoid being the village idiot of your game. Take the test, but remember this—SOME Mary-Sue qualities make your character interesting. No one wants to play a dull, run-of-the-mill red shirted crewman. Carefully follow the instructions given to you on the test’s website, and don’t panic if you rack up a few points. You can find the test here: http://www.springhole.net/quizzes/marysue.htm