English

Noun

Mary Sue ‎(plural Mary Sues)

1. (fandom slang, usually derogatory) A fictional character, usually female, whose implausible talents and likeability weaken the story.
   • 2010 August 3, Ta-Nehisi Coates, “A Whole New World”, in The Atlantic:

     Bella may be a Mary Sue, but if we don't identify with her, and even if we do, there's no other interpretive place for us in the universe.

   • 2015 January 20, Sian Cain, “Why a non-white Nancy Drew could be amazing”, in The Guardian:

     She was a mashup of ideals that made her feel very fake; a Mary Sue who was popular, pretty, athletic, artistic, all the while loved by everyone who met her.

   • 2015 December 19, Tasha Robinson, “With Star Wars' Rey, we've reached Peak Strong Female Character”, in The Verge:

     So here's a radical suggestion: instead of being concerned about whether her Mary Sue flawlessness is a problem, why not, just this once, enjoy it for what it is?

Usage notes

• Used especially with reference to fan fiction.

Hyponyms

• Gary Stu, Marty Stu (both male)

Derived terms

• Suethor