{"id":"mary-sue","name":"Mary Sue","summary":"Mary Sue is a derogatory fan fiction term from Paula Smith's 1973 Star Trek parody, describing an idealized original character who warps the story as a self-insert.","tags":[],"howToUse":["**Fan fiction critique:** Point out that an original character is too perfect, too central, or too obviously the author's self-insert. Common callouts include unusual eye colors, tragic backstories, every canon character falling in love with them, and abilities that don't fit the story's universe.","**Media criticism shorthand:** Label a character in published fiction, TV, or film who seems to lack meaningful flaws or struggles. Often applied when a protagonist masters skills too quickly or warps other characters' behavior around them.","**Ironic/self-aware usage:** Writers sometimes acknowledge their own characters as Mary Sues with a wink, especially when writing deliberately indulgent fanfic.","**Gender discourse:** Call out the double standard of labeling female characters Mary Sues while ignoring male characters with identical traits. Sometimes used defensively to push back against the label."],"imageCount":8,"nsfw":false,"images":[{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-nametag.webp","caption":"Name tag symbolizing the Mary Sue trope.","width":100,"height":100,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-trek-comic.webp","caption":"Comic strip parodying Mary Sue character traits.","width":600,"height":314,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-bella-swan.webp","caption":"Fan critique arguing Bella Swan is a Mary Sue.","width":353,"height":500,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-headshot.webp","caption":"Actress headshot-style photograph.","width":200,"height":266,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-fanfiction-art.webp","caption":"Fanfiction illustration from Mary Sue origin story.","width":432,"height":400,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-space-portrait.webp","caption":"Sci-fi character portrait with idealized presentation.","width":200,"height":246,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-menagerie-cover.webp","caption":"Menagerie fanzine where the Mary Sue term originated.","width":200,"height":266,"nsfw":false},{"url":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/mary-sue-comparison-chart.webp","caption":"Character comparison chart defining Mary Sue traits.","width":680,"height":505,"nsfw":false}],"historyUrl":"https://fcdtoybbbn2ccxbp.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/mary-sue/history.md","related":["karen","josie","internet-tough-guy","manic-pixie-dream-girl","the-four-humors","bobo-the-bear","hello-kitty-girl","ninjas","superheroes","wife-guys","bitcoin-enthusiast","wojak-bloomer"],"popularityRank":1041,"license":"Meme images and history: templates, screenshots, photos and fan edits, many of copyrighted material or real people. Explicit and offensive memes and images are included and flagged nsfw. Check you have the right to use an image before publishing."}