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To those who know about writing and such: Does a Mary Sue/Gary Stu NEVER fail? or their failings are to minimal to take account on them? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 months ago by NONE_dc@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'm writing a story and I'm worried that I might inadvertently turn one of my main characters into a Mary Sue. I'd like to know if it's enough to give her the odd flaw or imperfection or if I should be more drastic and make her screw up big time.

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[–] lukecooperatus@lemmy.ml 3 points 3 months ago

Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock is what I think of as an example of turning a good character into a Mary Sue. He's always pulling things out of his ass that he's inexplicably been planning all along, or surprise he's incredible at some random thing that just happens to be crucial at the moment.

Every Sherlock is like that to an extent, but that version was the worst.