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Vanity or Writing What You Know?

From Original Senshi Network

The Mary Sue character, is probably the most maligned character in any genre of fanfiction. Usually this is with good reason. After all, how many horrible fanfics have you read, that exist for the sole reason of making the author into a senshi? This doesn't just happen in Sailormoon Fics, it's common in Star Trek, Highlander, comics, and every fan fiction community on the web.

But does a Mary Sue have to suck? Is it inherent in the character?

Well, in a way, yes. The problem with most Mary Sues is that the story exists so that they (and the author) can vicariously experience the thrill of being a Sailor Senshi. The characters don't exist to move the plot. In fact, there is often no plot at all.

There is one, and only one way, in which a Mary Sue character can not suck. Believe it or not, they have to serve the story. If your personality is perfect for that story, then, by all means, Mary Sue away. It might just make the story stronger, since you know how this person will think, feel, and react. That's writing what you know.

But if you are doing this because you "want to be a senshi," I implore you. Please. Just don't do it. Tell a story, don't glorify yourself. That's vanity.

And please, please, remember:

You are not Sailormoon's long lost sister.

You are not Tuxedo Mask's long lost sister.

You are not more powerful than Sailormoon.

You are not, under any circumstances, Sailorearth or Sailorsun.

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Mary Sue Page

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