Jib
Spark
Posts: 64
Preferred Pronouns: she/her or they/them
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Post by Jib on Nov 2, 2020 19:39:51 GMT -6
We found some old posts from the previous LF forums and I thought it'd be fun to share this one with y'all!
Do you worry that your characters might be a bit too generic? Worried that they're falling into tired and well-used tropes?
Well, look no further! Presenting the... universal Mary Sue litmus test!! 
Anyway, happy writing, everyone! 
EDIT: Raven pointed out that there's some derogatory/sexist language used on the site. While I think the quiz itself is fairly helpful, be careful if you plan on venturing further! It's been a long time since I took a close look at this particular resource so consider yourself warned.
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Post by RAVENEYE on Nov 3, 2020 11:15:18 GMT -6
Thanks, Jib!
Whoa... so I checked out the last version of that webpage, and the author added a rant about the term "Mary Sue." I see the web author's point about rather misogynistic use of the female name, but the reason for their adamant dislike of it seems to miss the point of what a "Mary Sue" is. But whatever.
The litmus test is still worth conducting, to ensure one's characters aren't needlessly persecuted angels *coughDavidCopperfieldcough* or "beautiful-perfect-heroic-types-with-rippling-muscles-and-flawless-teeth-who-always-say-the-right-things-and-win-the-fights-and-get-the-love-interest-in-the-end-because-the-author-wishes-he/she/they-WERE-this-character" type of character.
Anyone have an opinion about this? Interesting, if rather nitpicky, argument.
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Post by pelwrath on Nov 3, 2020 16:43:58 GMT -6
Thanks for this. I ran through it and, fortunately, none of my characters came up as a Mary Sue, though some boxes were checked.
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Jib
Spark
Posts: 64
Preferred Pronouns: she/her or they/them
|
Post by Jib on Nov 4, 2020 8:51:01 GMT -6
Oh geez, I guess I could have screened it a bit better. I was decidedly not aware of the author's views and it's been awhile since I visited that website.  Let me add a note to the top of the page to let everyone know that too.
Thanks, Jib! Whoa... so I checked out the last version of that webpage, and the author added a rant about the term "Mary Sue." I see the web author's point about rather misogynistic use of the female name, but the reason for their adamant dislike of it seems to miss the point of what a "Mary Sue" is. But whatever. The litmus test is still worth conducting, to ensure one's characters aren't needlessly persecuted angels *coughDavidCopperfieldcough* or "beautiful-perfect-heroic-types-with-rippling-muscles-and-flawless-teeth-who-always-say-the-right-things-and-win-the-fights-and-get-the-love-interest-in-the-end-because-the-author-wishes-he/she/they-WERE-this-character" type of character. Anyone have an opinion about this? Interesting, if rather nitpicky, argument. |
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Post by RAVENEYE on Nov 4, 2020 11:56:27 GMT -6
And we can seek out more recent info on Mary Sues and just add them to this thread. That'd be cool. Cuz surely there are lots of info and "tests" out there by now. At least, I assume.
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Let me add a note to the top of the page to let everyone know that too. 
You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
