The Original ANTI
Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test
© Novadestin

The test used for this essay is taken directly from The Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test
To read my first discussion with the test's creator, please click here.
If you're unfamiliar with the term Mary Sue, please read the short 'A Trekkie's Tale' by Paula Smith.



Syera thanks me on the original test. Aw, thanks hun ^_^ hehe

Greetings and Salutations

Below you will find "The Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test." This page is not for taking the test (you can do that through the link above), but rather to look at and question the absurdity of some of the things on these kinds of tests and our notions about Mary Sue's in general. All the questions here are identical to the actual test, each is followed by my own personal comments on whether or not I feel they truly have any merit in detecting Mary Sue's. All text, beyond 'Now Lets Begin...', that is added by me will be in purple.

Icon Key:
Should stay as a Mary Sueism detector Should be revised to better detect Mary Sueism Should be removed as it doesn't help detect Mary Sueism
Indicates cliché rather than Mary Sueism Indicates author insertion rather than Mary Sueism Indicates plot point rather than Mary Sueism
(Understand that clichés, author insertion, and plot points can play a role in Mary Sueism, however they are not all synonymous.)

Now Lets Begin...

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST AND READ THEM CAREFULLY - MISUSE OF THIS TEST WILL CAUSE INACCURATE RESULTS!

How to use this test:
First, if you're unsure of what a Mary Sue is, please read this page..

Answer all questions for which the answer is 'yes' or 'technically yes' unless the item mentioned is commonplace in the universe you are writing for. If most people in your story's world have wings, skip the question about flying. If it's established that anyone can have technicolor hair (as in many anime shows) pink coifs don't apply as "unusually" colored hair. If your character had an exotic name because you make up most of your characters' names, you would not answer yes to having an unusual-sounding name that you made up. Sue-ness is relative. ;)

If your character is a role-playing character and the only reason you can answer 'yes' is because of other players acting of their own free wills (IE, everyone has their characters throwing themselves at your character's feet and you've done nothing to force this) do not answer yes to the corresponding question.

Make sure that you answer the questions properly depending on what type of universe your character is in:
Fanfiction - a story set in a world you didn't make up.
Original Fiction - a story set in a world you created yourself.
MMO/RPG - Role-Playing Game/MMORPGs.

If you see a question that looks like it's been linked, rest your cursor over it - it contains a tool tip, which should contain further information on the subject.

Also, this test is divided into five sections to help prevent confusion and speed up the testing process:

Part 1 - All Characters
Questions that pertain to all characters everywhere.

Part 2 - Original Fiction Characters
Questions for original fiction characters only.

Part 3 - Fan Characters & Newcomers
Questions for fan characters (RPG and fiction) and characters you may be planning to add to an original fiction universe you've already established.

Part 4 - RPG Characters
You guessed it - questions for role-playing characters and MMORPG-based characters.

Part 5 - De-Suifiers
Questions that subtract from the final score.

Please, please, please remember that these are the symptoms, not the disease. Just because something is on the test does not mean that it's inherently bad and should be avoided at all costs. Think of them as being like salt or spices - they serve to enhance the dish when used in the right amounts, but when used too liberally, the result tends to be quite unappetizing. Again, INDIVIDUAL ITEMS DO NOT MAKE THE MARY SUE. THE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS ARE NOT BAD. MOST CHARACTERS HAVE AND SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SOME OF THEM.

While it is true that some writers are skilled enough to pull off characters that fall into the 'Sue category, do not assume that you are one of them. I've seen plenty of Sue-authors fall into this trap. Instead, go out and get feedback from people more experienced in reading/writing, preferably adults. Not teenagers. Adults.

Furthermore, this test has never been nor probably will be perfect. At best, I can only offer it as a guide, not an instruction manual.

And for those who wonder about it - I use the gender-neutral terms "xe", "xir", and "xirself" because A: it's shorter than typing out "he/she" etc. all the time, and B: there are plenty of characters, particularly within the SF supergenre, who are neither male or female.

Why I Chose To Do This and Why I Dislike Mary Sue 'Tests'

My opinion on Mary Sue characters is two sided; I don't like excessive Mary Sues just the same as most authors, but I also feel that they have a place in writing and sometimes can be a good thing. However, I am very certain that I am not a fan of overly picky people who think that everything has to be solely unique and/or original to be non-Mary Sue (and no, I am in no way calling Syera, the creator of this test, one of those people). I follow the original meaning of the term (and, yes, there is one!): a character who is overly beautiful, talented in multiple fields, well-liked, well-loved, well-respected, a great hero, does nothing wrong, etc etc... and a cherry on top too. A character that is not all those things is not a Mary Sue to me; sure they're getting close and need some work, but being close is not the same thing. I feel that people have become accustomed to shouting 'Mary Sue!' far too quickly and I think these kinds of tests are not helping. Why did I choose this particular test to pick apart? Simply because it is called the "universal" test. It seemed fitting to use the test that says it covers everything to do commentary on why these tests aren't very useful.

My dislike of this, and other Mary Sue tests, comes in three parts. The first is that they are all anti-description, the second is the whole ratings thing, and the third (and the biggest) issue I have is that they group several things together that shouldn't be. Plot points, author insertion, clichés, and things that are just far to commonplace to even be considered something that causes Mary Sueism should not be combined as if they were all one in the same. So, to start with the first part, these tests only ask if you do something or not, not if you have a logical reason to do it. For example, why does it matter if someone uses a Japanese weapon when they're not Japanese? Maybe they just liked the weapon over another or maybe it's a weapon passed down to them from a Japanese ancestor... who knows. The point is, if the writer explains why in the story then it's fine and does not make the character more or less a Mary Sue. Sure, if they just use a Japanese weapon and have no other reason for using it save the author thought it was cool, then that can make them a little Mary Sue, but it's all in the description (or lack thereof). One needs to remember that it's all about the circumstances behind what's happening, not just what's happening. As Syera said, the things listed here are just possible symptoms and not the actual disease. It's all a matter of whether it's reasonably explained in the story or not and these tests never ask that important question.

The next thing I dislike are the ratings. These tests don't need ratings, much less each question on each test having different amounts attached to them. Some people might think this is worse than that and some might think that is worse than this, it's completely relative to whomever is doing the evaluation. There is no 'doing this will always be worth 3 points' and besides, who decides how many points makes a character a Mary Sue or not? Again, it's all relative. What these tests need are simply for people to copy down which ones they answer yes to so that they can take a good look at them together and see what they can do. Just giving them an arbitrary number does nothing for them. With these tests it's the questions, not the answer (or total as it were), that helps them most and gives them something to work with. An arbitrary number can never tell me what the problem is, much less how to fix it. The box with the score should list the questions that were check, not a number. On top of that, especially with the longer tests, it really doesn't take much to get a high score. On this test 50+ is the top score you can get and, even though each question has a different value, one only needs to check the first 17 boxes to be at 52. That might sound like a lot, but when you realize that the first section -which everyone must do and then at least one of the other parts- has 93 questions as well as some which have multiple sub-questions, that is not very much at all. In the first section there are 30 check boxes by the end of question 10 alone. I went through and just randomly selected several of the ones most people might answer yes to and was already up to 26 before I even got past the middle of the first section; only a few more and I am at 30+ score: Fanfiction authors beware - Mary's on the loose).

Which leads into my last and biggest point, that many of the questions on here are commonplace, author insertion, clichés, or plot points and have nothing to do with the character's actual 'character.' It is that character that is the sole thing that should be looked at when deciding if they're a Mary Sue or not (yes, their role in the story is a part of it, but that is still their character's interaction within the world and thus is about them). Things that most people will click yes to, like "Any ordinary name spelled or changed so that it's more unusual?", shouldn't be on this test because they're common things that everyone does or has. This particular example is a very common practice and has been going on for ages, when was the last time you meet someone named Eleanor? These days it's Elynore, Elana, or Elleigh among countless other variations. Names change and are adapted to each new generation so who is to say what is ordinary and what is unusual? Besides, it's the 'parents' that do the naming so you can't really fault the character (unless, of course, part of the story is how they picked it themselves, but that is another issue). People too often forget that there is always more to the story than just what they're reading. And no, I am not talking about the author as the 'parent', however, that does bring me into the topic of author insertion which is so very often confused with Mary Sueism. I understand that author insertion is a way for authors to sometimes create a better than real life version of themselves, but that does not make it the same thing as creating a Mary Sue. One sometimes (but certainly not always) deals with the author making themselves better through the guise of a character while the other simply deals with the character, without any author projection. These tests almost never show a difference between the two, in fact most insinuate that if you commit author insertion (and they always treat it as if it were some kind of sin when it's not) than you are automatically guilty of Mary Sueism which is completely illogical.

Clichés are another big thing that often get mixed up with Mary Sueism, both with people creating characters and, especially, with people reviewing them. This one really baffles me as the whole idea of something being cliché negates it from being entangled with Mary Sueism. Clichés only apply when discussing a group of things whereas Mary Sueism deals with just one character at a time. As a reviewer, I can understand that reading the same plotline for the tenth time can be annoying, but that doesn't make that specific author's character more Mary Sue simply because they wanted their character to take that route. As an author, you're exploring just your character's relation to that particular dynamic (whatever cliché it might be), not your character and everyone else's. Speaking of plotlines, that brings me to my final issue: plot points. These are a more delicate subject because they could, potentially, play an indirect role in Mary Sueism. However one needs to remember that plot points by themselves don't affect anything, rather it's what your character does in that partiuclar situation that counts. Having a character's parents die is a plot point, what affect that has on the character is the part that should be looked at when doing Mary Sue testing, NOT solely the fact that the parents died.
Also some of these things are plot points which also have nothing to do with the character, they have to do with the plot happening around them. What your character will do in a particular situation IS their character, however the situation itself is a plot point. People need to learn that you have to separate the character from the plot. Yes, they do have a healthy tug-o-war going, but they are not interchangeable and are certainly not glued at the hip. Plot points need to be specially considered when judging Mary Sue-ness. plot points - yes they can add up but as a whole they don't mean much, especially when the main focus of the story is on a certain character... what makes an OC any different than a canon character who is the center of the stories events? nothing. There will always be a central character, be it canon or oc, that all events seem to revolve around. these events, plot points, have nothing to do with the character's character. it is not the plot point that makes a character mary sue, its the affect that it has on their character (just because they are royalty does not make them mary sue, however if they are royalty and that somehow affects their character then it can contribute to being a sue but its not directly a cause)

Back before I typed all this up, I took this test using myself as the character and I scored a 94. With a score of 50+ you are supposed to "kill it." More recently, after Syera has given it an exstensive makeover, I did the same thing and got a 22 (26 without the test's De-Suifiers section), this score gives me the results: "Original fiction and MMO/RPG characters can go either way at this point depending on the writer. Fanfiction characters may need some adjustment, however." I know that the test is only adding things up based on which boxes I clicked, but the point is that some people take that at face value. They try to base everything on getting a low score. Yes, that is their mistake, but it does show the problem with these tests. It's a big reason on why these tests can never be truly reliable, because the only true way to detect a Mary Sue is to have someone read the story and give an opinion and even then it's just that, an opinion. We all have them and their all different. There is no right or wrong answe despite how these test's make it seem.

    Part 1 - All Characters
    This area applies to RPG characters, fanfiction characters, and original fiction characters.

  1. Is/does your character's name: Names... one of the biggest annoyances in writing and Mary Sueism. Why? Because people spend so much time trying to find the "perfect" name for their characters (which usually leads them to making some potentially Mary Sue mishaps) rather than understanding that names don't really matter all that much. 99% of the time the only reason a name is important is because it gives the writer something to call the character other than 'the character.' The only time a writer should stress about picking the "right" name is when it matters, in some way, to the plot. If the story is about someone whose name turns out to be an ancient spell that saves the day than yes, that would be a reason to spend some time on picking a name. Otherwise, find something you like and move on. I know in most cases that's not going to happen though, as many will insist that names are somehow 'more important' than I am making them out to be, so I will offer a bit of advice: just because a person is named Ruby and they like the color red doesn't mean they are Mary Sue. It could just be a natural thing, it happens. It's when the character is named Ruby because they like the color red that there is a problem (note: if they are named that because their parents liked the color red than that is also perfectly fine).
    1. Your name, variation of your name, nickname, screenname, or any name that has been applied to you? (Spelling it differently or changing it a little counts.)
      Fic: This is taboo, sure, but it's not an indicator of Mary Sueism. A sign of author insertion definitely, but not Mary Sueism. Why not? Remember what I said about a name 99% of the time just being a name?
      RPG: Same as above.
    2. A name you planned on giving one of your children? This one is more author insertion than Mary Sue and, honestly, who would know unless you told them?
    3. Any ordinary name spelled or changed so that it's more unusual? This, especially in recent years, is not at all uncommon in real life I do not see how this makes a Mary Sue... maybe the parents liked the name, but wanted to spell it differently. A lot of people, and I mean a lot, have names that are normal just spelled different. This is not an uncommon thing in real life or in fiction and should be removed.
    4. A masculine-sounding name for a female character? How the heck does this make your character a Mary Sue? Every Samantha I have ever met has the nickname Sam by choice! Take this one off too, its far to common.
    5. Involve a noun or verb not usually used as a name, spelled normally or not? Kind of like Cloud from Final Fantasy, this can be a tad Mary Sue, but its also just odd in general. It really depends on the name, because there are some names out there that work, like Rowan or River.
    6. If a noun, was it deliberately chosen because it's related to nature, a weapon, a gemstone, darkness, or something mystical? This goes along with the above. Many people have "mystical" names like Angelica or Christian (Angel and Christ) or "gemstones" names like Ruby or Jade. It all depends on the real origin of the name, like did the parents of the character like it or did the author like it. If it was the author then it is a bit Mary Sue.
    7. Taken deliberately from a character from another fandom that you like? Who is really gonna know if you name your character in your Harry Potter story Serena because you like Sailor Moon? This is a hard one because it is one only the author can say is true or not. Also it can be purely coincidental (you like Sailor Moon and the name Serena on its own) or time based (you named her Serena and then started liking Sailor Moon after you finished the fanfic). However, this does not have any baring on the character other than the name and a name, unless she brags about its origins being from Sailor Moon, does not make the character a Mary Sue.
    8. A really unusual-sounding name (unusual in the character's time/place/world) that you made up yourself? If you named all the characters this way in your Original Fiction then this is not Mary Sue. Yet, if you named your character this way in an already existing fiction and she gets praise or attention (the good kind) for it, then it is Mary Sue.
    9. Unusual for your character's time, place, and/or ethnicity?This can be Mary Sue, especially if the character gets praise or attention (the good kind) from it. Kind of like naming a character Skyler in the 1800's. Note that this does not apply for time travel stories.
    10. Belong to a country or culture your character does not belong to? (Adoption counts as belonging.)
    11. Chosen specifically because you thought it had a meaning appropriate for your character? Calling a warrior character Gunnar because it means warrior. This is a tricky one because if a character brags about it (like I was destined to be a warrior cause that's what my name means) then it is Mary Sue. Yet if the parents picked it because they wanted a warrior (and they got one through whatever past history) then its not. If part of the story is how his parents named him and how he got that way then its not.

    a name, unless its origin is important, has nothing to do with the characters 'character'. It's just a name. My name is Jennifer, it means 'White Wave' in Welsh... and that's about it. It has no affect on me or my 'character' other than that is what people call me. Just because someone is named Candy does not mean they will like sweets. (Having trouble finding names for your characters? Try the random name generators - link opens in a new window.)
  2. Something that your character chose for him/herself? Depending on the age of the character this should be revised. Older characters can change their names legally without a parents consent. If it is adequately explained in the story then it does not make the character a Mary Sue, if its not then it does.
  3. Japanese or Japanese-sounding, even though your character is not Japanese? This one is based mostly on the authors like, and does not apply to people with any sort of Japanese heritage, think white American named Usagi or Tenchi. The only thing about this one is that it should be revised to include all nationalities.
  4. Does your character have a cool nickname or unique title/address? A cool nickname does not make a Mary Sue as nicknames are CHOSEN by the person or their friends. (i.e. the Marauders of Harry Potter fandom called themselves that). As for a unique title, this can be Mary Sue depend on what it is and how they obtained it. A non-Japanese Samurai is impossible (no matter what Hollywood says)!
    1. More than one? The more they have the more Mary Sue they are. It is very rare that people have more then one unique title or address. How often do you come across a black belt who is also a great actress and an exceptional singer? Prodigies are rare and unless they are explained well, they are Mary Sues (that and prodigies are usually only talented in one field)!

  5. Is your character somewhere around 13-21 years old? I honestly do not see why this matters? A lot shows, movies, and books have people who are around this age or just a tad older as the main characters. There is a psychology reason behind this and its not because that is the age of the author. It is because at these ages people are more likely to fight for change or do something "radical". Note that is not to say older people don't, they just don't as often or in the same way. The main rule of good writing is you have to have conflict or its not interesting and this age group usually creates a good deal of conflict in real life and in fiction.

  6. If not, does your character look like he/she is somewhere in the 13-21 age range? This one is a little more Mary Sue. Most people look their age, although some do not. This is to uncommon to be removed. Sorry, but a 30 year old should not be able to pretend she is a high school student.
    1. For unnatural scientific or magical reasons? Unnatural? Time travel is sort of unnatural but its still a common story time. Think 13 Going on 30 where the girl makes a wish to be older and it happens. This one all depends on the plot of the story, if there is meaning behind it then its not Mary Sue, if there is no meaning and it is just there then it can be Mary Sue.
    2. Will this be part of the plot? This needs to be removed because if it is part of the plot then it does not make a Mary Sue, reason counteracts Mary Sueism. If a girl is magically turned into an adult and that is the point of the story then it is not Mary Sue.

  7. Does your character appear to be the age that you would like to be? Most adults wish they were younger again or at least looked younger. This is far to common to have any bearing on the "idealized version of the author" idea.

  8. Is your character the same gender as you? Ok remove this one now! Not only do people write what they know, their own gender, but how often do any authors write in the opposite sex. Note that this does not apply when you have created every character in an Original Fiction or if you are writing in more then one character (with different genders) in an existing fiction.

  9. Is your character of the same ethnicity? Again, people write what they know. However this can be a little Mary Sue depending on what place you are writing about. Japanese anime is located in Japan and writing in that setting it can be Mary Sue if your American and don't include a good background story. This question needs "and your writing about a different ethnic country or culture because you like the fiction" at the end.

  10. Is your character described, illustrated, and/or shown as very beautiful, irresistibly cute, or really handsome? Hot people are not an uncommon thing, but its the adjectives that make a Mary Sue. "Incredibly", "irresistible", etc., etc. makes a Mary Sue. Being pretty is fine but a character can be overly pretty. Also, this question should not ably to characters who are supposed to be attractive (like models). The question should add something about how it doesn't apply to models and that "normal pretty" is fine.
    1. Do you find your character attractive? This can make a "Romantic Sue" which is basically the authors ideal lover. Granted, I find my characters pretty because I wrote them and it is common for an author to write their characters with traits they know (i.e. have or like), but I wouldn't really be attracted in that "date me" sort of way which I think is the one part this question is missing. It should read "Do you find your character attractive enough to date them?"
    2. Does anyone fight or squabble over your character because of his/her looks? This is a Mary Sue question in that "overly beautiful" way.
    3. Is anyone (including you) jealous of your character's good looks? This is such a Mary Sue question. And yes I know it is common to be jealous of someone who looks better, but you should not be jealous of your own character. If its que nine high school "she's so pretty " jealous then ok, but otherwise no.
    4. Do any characters see his/her attractiveness as a threat? Beauty as a threat? That brings in the whole, the evil Genius will lose because his minions will fall for the heroine and let her win. This is Mary Sue (and yes James Bond is a Gary Stu!).

  11. Does your character have a practically-perfect body/physique, which you describe, show, and/or illustrate? Does not apply to models, but yes this is very Mary Sue.
    1. Despite the fact that his/her eating and/or excersizing habits decree that he/she should be a stick/blimp? Having a high metabolism means you can eat alot and stay thin, eating alot and exercising will keep you thin. They go together fine, but not separately. If there is a reason behind it then fine, if not then no. Example: Usagi of Sailor Moon eats a lot of junk food and stays thin so she must have a high metabolism, plus she exercises (fights monsters). Note they do joke about her weight in some episodes. But if your character just eats constantly and does nothing then it can make a Mary Sue.
    2. Does your character weigh so little that he/she looks or should be anorexic, but isn't? Umm, why is this even on here? Some fictions are just drawn that way (Aeon Flux for instants) and adding your own character to the fandom calls for it. Also, some people just draw that way. As for "should be"...how often to people actually mention the characters exact weight in a story, its usually just "their thin" or something.

  12. Do your describe your character's beautiful/handsome/cute attributes (hair, eyes, etc.) more than once, or on the first page? What is it with this test being anti-description? The whole point of a story is description!!! As for that description being on the first page, remove that part of the question now. Why does it matter if its on the first page? It is commonplace for people to introduce their character on the first place and guess what? That introduction always comes with a description. As for the rest of the question, it is Mary Sue. You don't need to describe things more then once. Note that this does not apply when it is a narration and then another character talking/thinking about the character as these are two different things.
    1. Do you use poetic and/or creative terms to describe your character? Again why is this test anti-description? It is Mary Sue if you use overly dramatic adjectives, but being creative is perfectly fine. Saying emerald green eyes is NOT being Mary Sue as it is a true eye color, but saying something like "the raven locks of her hair brushed her delicate blushing pink cheeks" can make a Mary Sue. Their is such a things as to much description, remember that 1/3 of a story should NOT be written and should be in the imagination of the reader.
    2. Conversely, do you go to great lengths describing how your character is not gorgeous? This is usually done in an attempt to prove a character is not Mary Sue. However, going to great lengths to describe your character as "ordinary" goes hand in hand with describing a character as gorgeous in great detail. Just because it is the opposite does not make it any less Mary Sue, this is called an "Anti Sue".

  13. Does your character's description contain anything to the effect of "Looks just like [other character/celebrity] except..." Unless they are related somehow, no one should look exactly like someone else.

  14. Do other characters find your character sexy after fighting battles, being tortured, and/or traveling for days without bathing or washing? This is Mary Sue as it is very uncommon for someone to find a smelly person attractive.

  15. Given the universe and your character's species/race (weird is relative), does he/she have an unusual feature that fits into the below categories? Unless there is a very good reason, no character should have something that is considered odd for that fiction.
    1. Unusually colored eyes? In some anime's pink eyes is fine, in real life its not. This is Mary Sue. Note that contacts don't count, this is for real eye color only.
    2. Eyes with any other unusual qualities? This is Mary Sue if it is unnatural or unexplained. Eyes do not usually change color (Note that everyone has two colors to their eyes, even if its dark brown and darker brown, and they can random change between the two, buts not what this is referring two).
    3. Unusual hair color? (Fiery red counts.) This one just needs to add the word "natural" because it is easy to have unnatural fiery red hair. If its natural and not common for that fiction then it is Mary Sue.
    4. Unusual feature of any other kind? (Nifty birthmark, tattoo, etc.) Ok this one needs a serious revision. Tattoo's are gotten at the whim of the person so of course they are "unusual" sometimes. Having a certain birthmark, if explained or part of the story is fine, but otherwise giving someone a cute birthmark is just not necessary. If the tattoo is considered cool by everyone or if the birthmark gets the character some sort of attention that has nothing to do with the plot then it is a Mary Sue.
    5. Will any of this become a plot point? Ok, if it is part of the plot then it has a reason and reason makes things anti-Mary Sue. If a person has natural pink hair in the real world and then comes to find that they are from an alien planet then its fine. This needs to go.

  16. Does your character have some scar or small flaw that is noticed by another character, but does not actually detract from your character's appearance? This needs to be revised because there are a lot of scars that do not detract from someone's appearance. I have a scar on my arm that does nothing to my looks. This needs to have "but it should" at the end of it because when a character has burn scars on their face and someone still finds them amazingly beautiful based just on looks then something is wrong.

  17. Has your character been in a lot of physical fights and/or battles, but does not have many noticeable scars? Sorry no one is that good and everyone gets a scar. But their so good at fighting? They weren't always that good and would have gotten a scar sometime down the road..

  18. Does your character have a particularly piercing, blank, or otherwise unusual gaze? What does this have to do with being a Mary Sue? Just because a character gazes a certain way does not make them a Mary Sue, at most it gives them a trait.

  19. Does your character's personal choice of clothing frequently include...This is a Mary Sue area as some authors dress their characters in a way that will get them alot of attention or a certain response but most of the time it is not needed. However it can cause problems if it is the characters natural style. Natural style is when your character always dresses that way, no matter the occasion. Like would they wear something really skimpy when their home alone and not expecting anyone? If they would then its not Mary Sue. Should really remove "personal choice" because that makes it natural style.
    1. Sexy, trendy, and/or especially flattering clothing? If not their natural style then its Mary Sue. Should really be worded "Sexy, trendy, and/or especially flattering clothing that they wouldn't wear naturally?".
    2. Clothing that you also own? This one is just Mary Sue no matter the characters natural style because it goes along with the "idealized version of the author" idea.
    3. Clothing that you really wished you owned or wished you could get away with wearing in public? This one is the same as above and is Mary Sue.
    4. Clothing that is unusual for his/her time, gender, occupation, or social status? - Ignore if this is because the character has an awful fashion sense.Why is this ignorable only if they have a bad fashion sense? Some people just don't care and if a character has that attitude then its not Mary Sue. However, if it is just there without reason then it is Mary Sue.
    5. Mostly black? This gets into the whole "Anti-Sue" thing where authors try to make their characters seem not perfect. However it should include "when their not gothic"!
    6. Lots of leather? Hmm, this is rather Mary Sue as wearing a lot of leather synonymous with sexy and that's what a Mary Sue is going for. Note this does not count if the character is a dominatrix of something.
    7. Anything that partially or wholly conceals the face? (Do not check if this is for cultural reasons.) If a character has their face covered and is still oh so beautiful then they are a Mary Sue.
    8. Armor that leaves cleavage, the stomach, legs, back, and/or arms bare? If it is the style of the fiction then its fine, but otherwise no smart person would wear armor like that.

  20. Do you describe your character's clothing by the stereotype it is most often associated with? - But ignore if this is because someone in the story is describing the character. This is just a lack of good writing as a good writer would be descriptive.

  21. Is your character impervious to any of the normal limitations and/or weaknesses of his/her species? Sorry, but unless there is a very good back story, this is very Mary Sue.

  22. Is your character partially or completely some type of metaphysical/spirit-type being? If the character is literally an Angel or a Fey or a Faerie and it has nothing to do with the story then its Mary Sue. If she is a Faerie because her parents are then obviously its not Mary Sue.

  23. Is your character some other kind of cool humanoid? This is a really common Mary Sue thing. Again if it has bearing on the plot, parents were elves so they are too, then its fine. If not then it is Mary Sue.

  24. Is your character a cross-breed/hybrid of any kind? Many people use the "cat girl" as an expression and not as an actual character trait so that doesn't count. As for the question, it all depends on whether its actually part of the plot or not.
    1. In a universe where hybrids are very unusual? This can be Mary Sue as it is not a common thing, but even in rare circumstances it can happen so with a good background story it might be ok.
    2. A hybrid of more than two species? Umm yeah this is just too much. Being an Elf Angel Drow Human is just to much, not to mention completely wrong and technically impossible.
    3. Does he/she possess the strengths of both species, but none of the weaknesses? This is totally a Mary Sue question.
    4. Or does your character have all of the weaknesses, but none of the strengths? - Minus 4! It says this minus' 4 points, but all it really does it create on "Anti Sue".
    5. Is your character part something furry, yet shows no sign of being anything but human save for a furry tail, animal ears, fangs, and/or claws? This is when the term "cat girl" is used as an actual character trait. This is such a common Mary Sue trait, but remember it has no bearing if this is part of your plotline.
    6. If not a cross-breed, then at least cross-cultural? Both American and Japanese in heritage. Granted this does happen but is not altogether that common. It can be Mary Sue depending on how it is used.

  25. Does your character become a genetically, scientifically, cybernetically, or magically altered/enhanced being, possibly with new powers? If this is the plot of the story then this is not a Mary Sue. However it can make a Mary Sue if its not explained well.
    1. Is he/she happier this way? This is a tricky one because on one hand is "why does it matter if they are happier" and on the other is "a Mary Sue would be happier because no one would care and love her anyways".
    2. Do people like him/her better this way? Now this is blatant Mary Sue.
    3. Do you wish it would happen to you? Again this is Mary Sue.
    4. Was your character kidnapped specifically for some type of experiment or project in order for this to happen? This can be Mary Sue if they were specifically chosen for no real reason

  26. Does your character voice political, social, and/or religious opinions which you share? This plays off of the "idealized version of the author" idea. As much as we write what we know, our characters should not be exactly like us in every way, unless it is literally us of course.
    1. Does he/she convince others that his/her way of thinking is right? Mary Sue warning. This is something that really needs to be explained well to escape.

  27. Does your character tend to get in trouble or have a problem with authority? This is not very Mary Sue because it is a common plotline. A story needs conflict and this is the most common way to create that conflict.
    1. Making them look like the bad guys in the process? Sometimes they are the bad guys, but more often then not this makes a Mary Sue.
    2. Is your character punished more severely than is usual? This is Mary Sue because they are punished more then they should be or more then a normal person would be.

  28. Is your character openly defiant or disrespectful of his/her superiors? Almost every younger person is this way at some point because we all don't like to be told what to do and how to do it. This does not make a character a Mary Sue. A story needs something to keep it going, this is not Beaver Cleaver ok?

  29. Does your character get away with things that most people would get into serious trouble for? (Like openly defying his/her superiors.) This is Mary Sue because they are getting away with more then they should be or more then a normal person would be.

  30. Are 'The Rules' of the universe bent or broken for your character? (Like joining a group despite being too old or too young.) This is Mary Sue because they are getting special treatment for generally no real reason. And don't start with the "well what if he is the best player they have seen in years?" If you break the standard rules for your character because they are the best player they have seen in years, that just makes them double Mary Sue.

  31. Does your character employ maverick or unconventional tactics? Completely useless. Everyone's tactics are unconventional to someone.

  32. Does your character have a spitfire personality, sharp wit, attitude, and/or strong temper? This one is iffy. Because it is normal and Mary Sue at the same time. If your characters bio is explained well then its fine, but if they are just 'oh so clever' or 'always have a great comeback' for no real reason then its Mary Sue.

  33. If female, is she unusually spirited, rebellious, and/or defiant for her time/place in any way? The fact that it says "for her time/place" makes this mostly Mary Sue, however, the fact that she is female does not matter! Also being unusually spirited is not all that unusual so it all depends on how it is portrayed. Having a story set in the 1950's and having the character rally against the cold war in front of the White House is Mary Sue-ish, but having them be against it in normal conversation is not.

  34. Is your character easily provoked to anger and/or violence? Some people are this way and its far to common to not revise. Perhaps add something like "over the smallest things " or something.
    1. Especially after "being made fun of?" Ok this one needs to be removed. Who isn't angry when they are made fun of? Far, far to common.
    2. Has your character ever killed someone after being provoked? If the original question includes the word "violence" then this does not help detect Mary Sue's. Being angry is one thing, being violent is another. Besides, that it does say "after being provoked." Well what does that mean? Provoked enough to kill? This one should stay, but it needs a serious revision.

  35. Does your character have any of the following psychological disorders? This one really bugs me. At the bottom of this test there is an area that has "redeeming" questions that ask if your character is "honestly" fat, ugly, or stupid. Well wouldn't being mentally handicapped be a redeeming question? And I don't get why having any of these mental disorders makes a character a Mary Sue.
    1. Psychosis? This is basically "loss of contact with reality". If your character was actually crazy wouldn't that make it a "redeeming" question on this test...I guess not. But if a character is crazy, how does that make them a Mary Sue? The whole idea of a Mary Sue is to be the "idealized version of the author", so does this mean the author wants to be crazy? I think not.
    2. Antisocial Personality Disorder? "Recognizable by the disordered individual's disregard for social rules and norms, impulsive behavior, and indifference to the rights and feelings of others." Hmm sounds like the villain to me...and if your character is the villain then this should go. As for the main character being the hero, this can be Mary Sue as one of the traits is to be "well liked and loved by all." Unless this is some crazy backwards reality of course.
    3. Split personality? Having more then one personality in the same body. This one I am either way on. It can be Mary Sue if the character just has it because it is a "cool" disorder. But if it has bearing in the story then its not.
    4. Inability to form a solid intimate relationship? What? Seriously...this does not make a character a Mary Sue. Even with the whole "well loved" part. People can be "well loved" and not be able to form "a solid intimate relationship". That to me means a strong long-lasting romantic relationship and some people just don't for a million different reasons. This also doesn't mean they can't have relationships or good ones at that, just that they don't form that "I would die for you cause I can't live without" kind of bond that others do.

  36. Is revenge one of your character's main motivations? Revenge means "an opportunity to retaliate or gain satisfaction" (among other things and yes I know it can mean "something done in vengeance" but everything is done in vengeance if you think about it). All life is about something happening and then doing something to change what happened in some form. Bad guy does this, good guy does this because bad guy did that. This is almost every plotline in history. Love stories, war stories, comedy...nothing escapes this. Example: Bad guy says something negative about Good Guy and he gets revenge by making a witty comment to make Bad Guy look bad. Or: Good Guy loves Bad Guy's daughter and Bad Guy locks her away to keep them apart. Good Guy gets revenge by rescuing her.

  37. Does your character suffer from amnesia? This is more of a cliché then a Mary Sue question. Using a cliché does NOT make a character a Mary Sue! The reason this is not a Mary Sue question is because it's a plot point, perhaps the entire story is based on this. A plot point is NOT a trait of the character!
    1. If/when your character discovers his/her past, will he/she not like it? Again, this is a cliché and has nothing to do with being a Mary Sue! The fact that a character does not like their past does not make them a Mary Sue. Amnesia is usually caused by a severe blow to the head and anything that would have caused that and caused them to not be found by loved ones (if they hit their head at home things would be different cause their are pictures and such, they wouldn't just wonder the streets) is not something I would really like to remember either.
    2. And/or discover that he/she is actually someone of great importance? Everyone is important to someone. Even if the author makes a story like the movie "Anastasia" it is not Mary Sue unless the character follows the Mary Sue traits.

  38. Are animals instinctively attracted to your character? Animal friendliness is fine, but the Snow White or Sleeping Beauty sort of thing is blatant Mary Sue. This may need a tiny revision but otherwise it should stay. - Ignore if the only animals your character attracts are the creepy-crawly kind.Why does this get "ignored"? What does it really matter what kind of animals the character attracts? Why do getting the "creepy-crawly" ones make them not Mary Sue?

  39. How many animal companions does your character keep? This goes along with the one above, if animals "just love you" it is Mary Sue. But if there is a reason behind why they are there, like Luna is with Serena because she is an advisor then its fine. The only reason this one stays is because the more you have, the more Mary Sue it is, even though the exact number is iffy. (Ordinary, non-magical pets like cats and dogs do not count.) Why not?
    1. Is said animal a wolf, bird of prey, big cat, or mythical creature? Why does the type of creature make the character a Mary Sue? These are common choices and even more commonly used as they are "mystical" in nature. Also, according to the question above, "ordinary" pets don't count.

  40. Does your character give out wisdom and advice to other characters in general? Ok this one needs to be revision. Giving out "wisdom" can be Mary Sue as it goes along with the character always knowing everything and being really smart. However, the word "advice" needs to be removed because people give advice all the time. Especially if its friends or families, but even good guys give advice to bad guys.

  41. Is your character wealthy, or at least always has the money for whatever he/she needs or wants at the time? The fact that a character is wealthy does not necessarily make a character a Mary Sue, but the second half of the question does make the character a Mary Sue if they are not portrayed as a rich character.
    1. For no apparent reason? (Character never works or gives any clue to any source of income.) This is blatant Mary Sue.

  42. Does your character have an occupation or hobby that you would like to have or that you think sounds neat/glamorous/exciting?This can be hard because it goes along with "we write what we know", but it can be Mary Sue because it is something the author thinks is "glamorous". Just needs to be revised.

  43. Does your character share your favorite types of movies, music, clothes, etc? This is Mary Sue. Unless of course you are writing about yourself.

  44. Is your character unusually accomplished for his/her age, time period, place, and/or social status? This is Mary Sue as it goes along with the whole "jack of all trades" idea. If your character is a women in the 1800's they are not an "accomplished member of the government".
    1. In magic? Which skill they are oh so great in does not matter because it is relative to the story.
    2. In fighting? Same as above.
    3. Is your character skilled in more than one area of magic and/or style of fighting? This is Mary Sue because it takes years to be good at something and even as a prodigy, it will still take years to learn more then one field of something.

  45. Is your character the best or among the best at anything he/she does? One box for each: This one is the same as the animal companion question above. The more fields they are the best at the more Mary Sue they are.
    1. Is he/she well-known for any of these? This however needs to be changed. The fact that they are well known goes hand in hand with being the top of the class and is not a Mary Sue thing, its a given. However, if it is a praise thing and everyone loves them for it and such then it is Mary Sue.

  46. Ah, the sound of music! Does your character...All of these need to be revised to included "without much practice".
    1. Have a beautiful singing voice? Having a nice voice does not really make a character a Mary Sue as many people have a good singing voice, but if its a Disney king of thing where they just burst out into song and everyone is amazed then it is Mary Sue.
    2. Play a musical instrument very well? Same as above, with practice its fine, without its Mary Sue.
    3. Is this instrument a guitar, harp, or flute? Now this one needs to be removed, it does not matter what type of instrument it is and the only reason this question is on here is because these are the most common. Remember that clichés do NOT make a Mary Sue!
    4. Can he/she charm others with his/her musical talent? Ok this one is completely Mary Sue when used without the "magical" nature it is supposed to have. Just a bit of revision and this one stays.

  47. Does your character use magic in a typically non-magical universe? This question completely forgets about the idea of "hidden magic". Charmed is set in the "normal" Earth reality and yet they still use magic and supposedly it is all around use but we don't know. This question needs to be changed to include that. Anything other then that though is Mary Sue in nature.

  48. Does your character fly? Unless there is the correct magical stuff behind this, then it is Mary Sue.
    1. Without wings or other apparent means? Same as above, however this makes it even more Mary Sue because there is no "apparent means."

  49. Does your character possess telekinetic or telepathic (IE, Force-like) abilities that are not commonplace in his/her species or among the people with whom he/she lives? Ok the use of the word "commonplace" just kills this question. As said in a question above this does not take into account the idea of "hidden magic". Now if it is not a "hidden magic" story and there really is no reason for it then it is Mary Sue.
    1. Do these powers allow your character to 'see' or just 'know things' without actually being there? The idea of this question is absurd because that is the very base of telepathic's. If they are telepathic then of course they can see things without actually being there. Now I understand the reason for wanting a question like this but it needs to be worded better. Something like adding "that allows them to always save the day" to the end.
    2. Do they make up for a disability, such as being blind, deaf, or mute? This is the Daredevil kind of Mary Sue. Now Daredevil was a superhero and in the "real world" this just doesn't happen. But it is of course relative to the world in which the story is taking place.

  50. Does your character have a telepathic/empathic connection or the ability to communicate with any kind of animal? Again this depends on the world in which the story is taking place. If it is just there for no real reason or is not possible in the world then it is Mary Sue.
    1. Anything such as horses, wolves, big cats, or mythical creatures? I still don't see why it matters what kind of animal it is. These ones are listed because they are common choices and what have I said about clichés? Right, they don't make Mary Sue's! - Bonded creatures do not count, so long as this is within a universe where this is perfectly normal and it is your character's one and only bonded creature.Why don't they count and why can they only have one? The answer to the second question is because the more there are, the more Mary Sue it is. But the first question is valid. For those who don't know, a bonded creature refers to having a creature take damage for you. Like if someone attacks you and hurts you, your health doesn't go down but the creatures does. With such a purpose I am curious why they don't count because it seems like they would make a character even more Mary Sue as the creatures would be willing to bond themselves to the character.

  51. Does your character have the ability to shapeshift? Another question that is relative to the world in which the story is written. If it has no bearing on the plot and is just there because the author thought it was a cool thing to write about so-to-speak, then it is Mary Sue.

  52. Does your character possess mysterious healing powers? The use of the word "mysterious" makes this question a Mary Sue detector. If a character's friend is dying and they just suddenly obtain or use healing powers to save them then it is very Mary Sue.
    1. Strong enough to save a character from mortal injury and/or death? Same as above. These two should really be mixed together because its rare for healing powers NOT to be used to save a life.

  53. Does your character possess power that can take out cities/legions of soldiers/general all-around-evil? This is Mary Sue in general because that kind of power has to be learned. Some people may argue that it can be instinctive and the character used it without knowing yada yada, but that has to be explained REALLY well for people to not take it as Mary Sue.

  54. Does your character end up in a tight spot and discover that he/she has really cool powers that were dormant and/or unknown before? This question is worded really well and does detect Mary Sueism. The same as above implies, got to explain things well or its Mary Sue.

  55. Does your character have any other relatively unique special powers/abilities that come in handy? The fact that it says "come in handy" makes this a good question. Always being able to get out of things is a Mary Sue trait.

  56. Not counting his or her first language, how many languages does your character fluently speak? Click one box for every language: This is the same as the question about fields of study. Knowing a language fluently takes a very long time and at the standard age for most characters (13-23) its highly unimaginable for them to know many. The more languages they know, the more Mary Sue they are. Unless it is some weird reality were they have things implanted in their brains by computers or something....

  57. Does your character succeed at virtually everything he/she tries? Ding ding! The essential Mary Sue question! Why is it so far down?

  58. Does your character pick up new skills unusually fast? Another good Mary Sue question.

  59. On the other hand, if your character does bungle almost everything, is he/she quickly and easily forgiven for it? This falls under the idea of the "Anti Sue" trying to make a character not Mary Sue by making them mess up all the time. But having them easily forgiven still makes them a Mary Sue. Not to mention that an "Anti Sue" is still a Mary Sue, just in the opposite direction.

  60. Does your character ever single-handedly take out more armed forces (EG, security guards, soldiers) than you can count on one hand using his/her kick-butt skills? Yeah this is Mary Sue. Now in a world like Inuyasha this is not, but generally speaking it is.

  61. Is anyone envious of your character's talents and/or abilities? Its far to common for someone to be jealous of someone's abilities and almost everyone is jealous of something to do with someone else.
    1. Because he/she constantly beats them at their own game/games? This can be Mary Sue because it goes along with the fact that Mary Sue's always win and always have a "witty comeback." But in the context of this question it needs revision because anyone would be jealous if someone kept beating them at "their own game."

  62. Does your character alone have a weapon that...I am against this whole section because it goes against the idea that Mary Sue's are based solely on their traits.

    1. Was passed down from a parent/trainer? This is far to common.
    2. Was given by some kind of spirit/magical being? This depends on the world, but what does it matter really?
    3. Do you often mention that it belonged to someone beforehand? The fact that it belonged to someone else doesn't mean anything. However, if it is something like: the character has a light saber that belonged to Luke Skywalker when their not related and the author keeps bringing it up as a status thing then it is Mary Sue.
    4. Is magical? Having a magical weapon in a non-magical world can be Mary Sue, but this is a relative question.
    5. Is unusually ornate? What does this matter? How does what the weapon looks like affect the traits of the character?
    6. Japanese, even though your character is not Japanese? If you read the intro then you know my stance on this one. What does it matter what type of weapon it is? Maybe they just liked it over others. However, time plays a part in this as having a Japanese weapon in the 1800's would be really odd. And that is the only reason I will keep it.

  63. Does your character use a sword-type weapon in a relatively modern setting for no logical reason? Using a sword in 2007 is rather odd when your opponents have guns. If your character is good enough to reflect bullets then its a Mary Sue. Now, this is a question with a little rollover thing attached to "logical reason" and it says that sentiment is not a logical reason...why not? If the author explains why the character is using the sword, no matter the reason, then that makes it a logical reason! Logical to the character that he use a weapon that he prefers. I would change the rollover text, but otherwise leave it.

  64. Does your character frequently carry knives, daggers, or other little sharp pointy objects concealed within his/her clothing? This just makes for an odd character trait. If this is a rouge character then this does not apply and it should say that. This needs "for no real reason and they just happen to come in handy" at the end.

  65. Does your character possess a unique trinket that is magical and/or has some special significance? "Has some special significance"? Why would anyone keep something if it did not have a "special significance" to them? Even pack rats keep things because of "special significance." Besides, what does it matter if they do have it? If it is part of the story its fine, but it can be Mary Sue as well. Having a magic trinket to save the day does not automatically make a Mary Sue. It all depends on the use of it and how the author portrays it. If it is a thing that brings the character status and keeps them out of trouble then its Mary Sue.
    1. Does this trinket protect your character from some weakness? This one is iffy. It all depends on the wording the author uses. If it is just there then it is Mary Sue, however, if the author explains why it is there and its purpose then its not Mary Sue.

  66. Does your character have overprotective/restrictive parents/guardians? What do the parents have to do with the actual character? All parents are protective and being 'overprotective' is relative to the world the story is written in. Having parents no let you go outside in "normal" Earth reality is one thing, having parents not let you go outside in a "we live on the moon" reality is another. Besides that, when in the presence of their child being hurt ALL parents become overly protective.

  67. Is your character royalty, closely related to a royal, or at least a rough equivalent? (President, governor, etc.) This is a plot point not a character trait really.
    1. Royalty without knowing it? Same as above.
    2. Adopted by or become a royal at any point? Same as above but can be a bit Mary Sue if it is done because they are "oh so loved" by the family and the people rejoice because of it.
    3. Defied his/her royal parents on some point? This one has to go. The fact that the parents are royal means nothing. All kids rebel against their parents at one point or another.

  68. Is your character very popular or renowned where he/she comes from or frequents? Unless this is explained REALLY well, this is Mary Sue.

  69. Is your character undeservingly despised and/or outcast by most people? Without a reason, this creates an "Anti Sue".
    1. Because he/she is unusually talented/attractive/rich? Being despised for these things is an everyday occurrence.
    2. Because of his/her special powers? This can be the same as above depending on the world which it takes place in. Besides being despised is what usually creates the conflict of a story, not to mention the villain. Without those two there is no story.
    (If your character is despised by everyone because he/she gets so much attention, douse yourself with cold water RIGHT NOW.) So true... HIGHLY Mary Sue.

  70. Is your character some kind of 'chosen one' and/or a major part of a prophecy? This is highly Mary Sue unless it is explained very well.

  71. Does your character consider his/her talents, special abilities, or good looks to be a curse? This is more of a plot point then a character trait. Its a thought not an ability.

  72. Does your character manage to become friends with a villain, and through this friendship cause the villain to become reformed? Yeah this is Mary Sue. The villain is a villain for a reason. Some may argue that a villain can be reformed but this must be done extremely carefully or it will be taken as the Mary Sue trait of being able to win over everyone.
    1. Does the villain revert back to his old ways, but retains some bit of goodness, caused by your character committing a selfless act of some kind? This is a plot point more then a character trait. Having the character commit a selfless act does not make a Mary Sue automatically, no matter the reason. Its all in the wording. This can be Mary Sue if the character commits the selfless act and the villain is so remorseful about it that he stops being a villain.

  73. On the subject of your character and his/her family...Again, family has little bearing on the character being a Mary Sue because the story is about the character not their family. Clichés men nothing when it comes to Mary Sue's.
    1. Was your character orphaned, abandoned, kicked out, or at least raised by a family/person that was not his/her own family? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    2. Was a major villain responsible for the death of the parents or guardians? This is a plot point and does not make a Mary Sue unless they are easily forgive for it.
    3. Did the parents/guardians die in a fire? What does it matter? Clichés mean nothing on this test!
    4. Was your character responsible for the death of his/her parents/guardians?This is a plot point and does not make a Mary Sue unless they are easily forgiven.
    5. Did your character witness the death of the parents/guardians? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    6. Was he/she adopted by a cruel family or person? This is a plot point but can make a Mary Sue if the story is about them making the cruel person nice and winning them over.
    7. Ran away at any point? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    8. Raised him/herself? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    9. Lived in the streets? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    10. The very last or only survivor of anything? This is a plot point but can make a Mary Sue if they get some special treatment or something like that...think of Superman.
    11. Adopted by another species/racial group? This is a plot point not a character trait.

  74. What about any of these?These are plot points and really have nothing to do with the characters traits in general.
    1. Born/raised in extreme poverty? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    2. Born/forced into slavery? This is a plot point but can make a Mary Sue if the character falls in love with the master and they get married yada yada.
    3. Banished from anywhere? This is a plot point but can be "Anti Sue" depending on how it is written.
    4. A member of a despised and/or outcast race? This is a plot point , but it can me taken as an "Anti Sue".
    5. An illegitimate child? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    6. The parent of an illegitimate child? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    7. Abused? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    8. Raped? This is a plot point not a character trait.

  75. Has your character otherwise lost...Same as above, these are plot points.
    1. A child? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    2. Lover? This is a plot point not a character trait.
    3. Close friend? This is a plot point not a character trait.

  76. Did anything else remarkably strange or otherwise unusual happen in your character's infancy? This is a plot point not a character trait, but depending on what it was it can be taken as Mary Sue. Example: Watch Sleeping Beauty.

  77. If your character has a torment-ridden, pain-filled past, do you believe it excuses his/her actions? This has nothing to do with the story in any way. It is just what the author feels.

  78. Is your character a 20th/21st century Earth citizen transported to another time/world? This is a plot point not a character trait. Remember, just because its a time travel story does not make it a Mary Sue story.

  79. If the above does not apply, is your character from another time, world, or reality? "If the above does not apply"...this is basically the same question just dealing with space instead of time. And the same as the above applies here.
    1. Another published universe? This is called a "crossover." Like having Harry Potter somehow end up in the Halliwell manor. This is not a Mary Sue question it is a plot question, that is all.

  80. If female, does or did your character run away to escape an unwanted marriage? Again a plot point not a character trait.

  81. Does your character feel guilty for something that he/she did in the past? Oh yes, because no one should feel guilty about something they did in their past....seriously...
    1. Death of a main character's family? They would only feel "guilty" if they killed them and that's what? A plot point.
    2. Death of his/her own family? Same as above.
    3. Does your character become convinced by this main character that it wasn't his/her fault? This one is very troublesome. It draws on the line of what is canon and what is not. When dealing with what another person's character is saying it all depends on how it comes out.

  82. If female, does your character ever have to prove that she's just as good as the guys? I find, in most cases, its easy to prove your as good as "the guys". This is not a Mary Sue question, but a plot one.

  83. If your character is a villain...This enters the "Anti Sue" area.
    1. Did he/she start out good? ALL villains start out good, even if its just when they are babies.
    2. Does he/she reform by the end of the story? This would be a Mary Sue tactic and not an "Anti Sue" tactic. A Mary Sue reforms and gets forgive, while an "Anti Sue" stays bad and is killed or something. This all depends on what happens.
    3. Does he/she reform because of act of kindness on the part of the hero? This makes the hero a Mary Sue, not the character. And if the hero is another person's character then it does not make yours a Mary Sue.

  84. Does a major villain have a personal fixation/obsession with your character? When does the major villain NOT have a major fixation on the author's character?
    1. For no apparent reason? Now this makes it Mary Sue.
    2. Something that has to do with your character's family, and not your character him/herself? Normally this would completely rule our Mary Sueism because it has to do with the characters family and not the character. However, this draws attention and conflict to the character so it can be Mary Sue.

  85. Is your character ever spared by a villain? This is Mary Sue because when would a villain ever spare the person they are trying to hurt?
    1. Despite the fact that he/she has already done massive damage to the villain, the villain's troops, and/or stronghold? Same as above.
    2. Because the villain is attracted to your character? Now this is just sad Mary Sueism. However, it can be redeemable if the villain has a good back story for being attracted to the character and doesn't just love them for their "beauty."

  86. Would you like to be friends with your character? I wonder about this one. It has nothing to do with the character and therefore does not have anything to do with Mary Sueism. Who cares if the author wants to be friends with who their writing?

  87. Do you imagine you are this character? Now this may not have anything to do with the character but one of the traits of a Mary Sue is being the "idealized version of the author." To think about being the character is fine, but don't let that show in the story. - Skip if the only imagining you do is when you write the story.Good note.

  88. Do you feel insulted, attacked, or defensive when someone does not like your character? This is when you take a bad review as a personal attack and this can happen because of the above question. This question, however, has nothing to do with Mary Sueism.

  89. Did you feel that this test insulted or attacked you or your character so far? Same as the above question.
Part 2 - Original Fiction Characters
Only answer these questions if your character is for an original fiction. (For a new character you plan to add to an established original fiction universe, see the Fan-Character Specific Area.)

 Not an original fiction character? Skip this section.
  1. Does your character have markedly more romance in his/her life than any other regular character? (IE, he/she gets all the girls/guys - AKA Kirk Syndrome.) This is a Mary Sue question.
    1. Everyone else combined? This is a Mary Sue question.
    2. Even though there's no good reason why the other characters can't get a date? This is a Mary Sue question.

  2. Are all of your character's love interests the type of people you'd like to hook up with?This is a Mary Sue question that plays off the "idealized version of the author" trait..

  3. Is your character liked by pretty much everyone who knows him/her? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.
    1. Do they care for your character more than they care for friends they've known longer? This is a Mary Sue question.
    2. Would anyone die for your character? (Unless, of course, said character would pretty much die for any casual friend/acquaintance.) This is a Mary Sue question.
    3. Even characters that are not known for their friendly, outgoing attitudes? This is a Mary Sue question.
    4. Do characters who criticize not like your character from the start, but like him/her by the end, or at least have a grudging respect? This is a Mary Sue question that plays off the "liked by all" trait.
    5. Or does anyone who criticizes or doesn't like your character end up getting beaten up, humiliated, and/or dead? This is a Mary Sue question because those who don't like the character are punished.

  4. If female, does your character have a job or skill that is discouraged, forbidden, or unusual among women? This is Mary Sue because the job or skill is not common for them.

  5. Does your character have a twin or clone? Ok this is a plot point.
    1. Separated at birth or a young age? This too.
    2. Is the twin/clone evil? This is a plot point cliché.
    3. Do you plan on writing about the twin/clone later? What does it matter if they write about them later?

  6. Does your character save the day way more often than other main characters? This is a Mary Sue question.
    1. More than the other main characters combined? This is a Mary Sue question.
    2. Even when there's no good reason why another character wouldn't have been just as capable? This is a Mary Sue question.
    3. Magically or mystically? Ok this is a plot point. How they save the day has nothing to do with the character.
    4. Does your character die in the process? (Any nasty irreversible thing, like getting sent to an inescapable dimension counts too.) This is a plot point.
    5. By almost dying? This is a plot point too.
    6. Does everyone mourn the death of your character? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.
    7. Is he/she revived by the end of the story? This is a plot point, but can be Mary Sue depending on how it is done. If the character is brought back and much rejoicing is had then its Mary Sue.
    8. Is he/she revived? Same as above.

Part 3 - Fan Characters & Newcomers
Only answer these questions if you are taking this test for a fan character (fiction or RPG) OR for a new character whom you plan to add to an established original series (consider the original cast as canon and the newcomer as a fan character).

Not a fan character or newcomer? Skip this section.
  1. Is your character's name a variation, pun, or synonym of a canon character's name? This sort of naming is fine as long as it is not part of the plot. Having a character named Sammy in Stargate is just annoying, but it does not make a character a Mary Sue unless the fact that the name is like Sam's is brought up continuously.

  2. Do your introduce and/or describe your character on the first page? Many people do this, its far to common. Besides what does describing the character on the first page have to do with the characters personality? (Ignore if this is an RPG character.) I question this part because many people write stories for their RPG characters. Granted this should be ignored if your talking solely during game play but this is a test about written stories.
    1. In minute detail? This is some authors style of writing and the fact that they describe the character in minute detail means nothing if they do it for everything in the story (its called description). However, if they only do it for the character then it is Mary Sue.
    2. In the first paragraph? This goes along with introducing a character on the first page. It has nothing to do with the character and everything to do with style of writing.

  3. Does your character share a notable physical characteristic with a canon character, or at least have one that is remarkably similar? (Genetic resemblances do not count here.) A character with the same hair cut and style as a canon character for example. Genetic means if they are related it doesn't count, which is good. This can be Mary Sue because the author is trying to resemble their character after the one they like.

  4. Is your character basically a female version of your favorite-at-the-time male hero? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.

  5. Is your character of a species that is not normally found in the fandom for which you are writing? This is a Mary Sue question because it states that its not normal. And yes this does apply to "hidden" things too. Creating another talking cat in Sailor Moon would not be normal and thus Mary Sue because its done for the authors enjoyment.

  6. Was your character trained in some art by or with a canon character? This does not automatically make a Mary Sue. This simply means the character was trained by another, its a plot point. Yet, if the author has a crush on Harry Potter and has their character take flying lessons with him, it can be Mary Sue. (Why would Harry be giving flying lessons anyways?).

  7. Does your character share tastes or a hobby with a canon character? Lots of people share the same hobbies. This does not make the character a Mary Sue.

  8. Is your character just as good or even better at the jobs and/or skills of one or more canon characters? (EG, better hacker or smarter than the nerd character, better fighter than the tough character.) This is a Mary Sue question unless it is explained why. This needs "for no apparent reason" at the end.
    1. Does he/she have the talents, skills, and/or abilities of several canon characters combined? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.

  9. If your character is the child of one or more canon characters, did he/she inherit any of the parents' powers or talents? If they are the child of these people then of course they would inherit their parents powers! Talents are another story, but come on!
    1. Is he/she even better than the parents? If the story is that they are better then their parents at a young age then it is Mary Sue. If it is that they are better then their parents after years of practice then its fine.

  10. If the last question did not apply, does your character have a weapon or power that is just as good that of a canon character? There is nothing wrong with being just as good as a canon character. The problem comes when they are better then them.
    1. Is it, for all intents and purposes, almost just like a canon character's weapon or power, only better? Now this is Mary Sue.
    2. If not similar, does it just happen to be more powerful? This is a Mary Sue question.

  11. Does your character possess a weapon or artifact that is not normal in the universe he/she is in? (For example, a lightsaber in a Lord of the Rings story.) This can be a "crossover" but it is mostly an author's fantasy. For fun this is fine, but for any serious story this can be a bit Mary Sue.

  12. Does your character carry around a trinket of some kind that's similar to and/or somehow relates to a canon character's previously-unique trinket? Like a character having a time-turner handy in Harry Potter. This is Mary Sue.

  13. Does your character end up saving the day and/or the life of another character? This is a Mary Sue question.
    1. Magically or mystically? I have said before, the how does not matter.
    2. Does your character die in the process? (Any nasty irreversible thing, like getting sent to an inescapable dimension counts too.) This is a plot point.
    3. By almost dying? This is a plot point too.
    4. Does everyone mourn the death of your character? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.
    5. Is he/she revived by the end of the story? This is a plot point, but can be Mary Sue depending on how it is done. If the character is brought back and much rejoicing is had then its Mary Sue.
    6. Is he/she revived? Same as above.

  14. Does your character belong to or join any other "special" group? Like a new character joining SG-1. This is Mary Sue, unless you explain it REALLY well.
    1. A member or child of someone in this class without knowing it? This is a plot point
    2. Become a member at some point in the story? Same as above, but can be very Mary Sue if not explained well.
    3. Does your character find out that he/she somehow belongs to this class, is reluctant about it, but ends up willingly joining by the end of the story? This is a plotline.

  15. Is your character closely related to a canon character? This can be Mary Sue depending on how it is done. Doing it just because you like the canon character is Mary Sue. But if you have a good plot behind it, its not.
    1. The sibling? Same as above.
    2. The child? Same as above.
    3. The lost child/sibling? Same as above.
    4. The twin/clone? Same as above.
    5. Are the parents canon characters that seem very unlikely to get together? This is the author's wishful thinking.
    6. Do other characters comment on or are amazed by how much your character looks like his/her canon relative? This one bugs me because if their related then of course they look like them. But if the other keep bringing it up then it can be Mary Sue.
    7. If your character is not actually related, does he/she have other connections to the canon characters? This can be Mary Sue depending on how it is written.

  16. Is your character liked by pretty much everyone who knows him/her? This is a Mary Sue question.
    1. Do they care for your character more than they care for friends they've known longer? This is a blatant Mary Sue question.
    2. Would anyone die for your character? (Unless, of course, said character would pretty much die for any casual friend/acquaintance.) This is a Mary Sue question.
    3. Even characters that are not known for their friendly, outgoing attitudes? This is a Mary Sue question.
    4. Do characters who criticize not like your character from the start, but like him/her by the end, or at least have a grudging respect? This is a Mary Sue question that plays off the "liked by all" trait.
    5. Or does anyone who criticizes or doesn't like your character end up getting beaten up, humiliated, and/or dead? This is a Mary Sue question because those who don't like the character are punished.

  17. Do other characters look up to your character? This is a Mary Sue question if they have no reason to look up to them.
    1. As a leader? This is a Mary Sue question.
    2. Do canon leaders see your character as a threat because of this? This is a Mary Sue question.

  18. How many major characters fall for your character? The more there are, the more Mary Sue it is.

  19. How many minor characters fall for your character? The more there are, the more Mary Sue it is.

  20. How many major characters does your character fall for? The more there are, the more Mary Sue it is.

  21. How many minor characters does your character fall for? The more there are, the more Mary Sue it is.

  22. And...This is a blatant Mary Sue section.
    1. Does your character become the boyfriend/girlfriend of a canon character? This can be Mary Sue unless it is written well.
    2. Sleep with a canon character? This can be Mary Sue unless it is written well.
    3. Or not sleep with a canon character because he/she 'isn't that kind'? I don't know why this is here. It doesn't make an "Anti Sue" or a Mary Sue.
    4. End up married to him/her? This can be Mary Sue unless it is written well.
    5. Or give up this romance for some greater good/noble purpose? This is Mary Sue.
    6. Does the canon love interest break up with a previous love in order for any of this to happen? This is Mary Sue.
    7. Does your character fall for the characters that you fall for? This is blatant Mary Sue.

  23. Does your character make canon characters realize their romantic feelings for each other? This is more of a plot point then anything.
    1. Did a 'something special' not exist at all until your character came along? This is Mary Sue because it is the author's wishful thinking. Think of Draco and Hermione getting together...
    2. Does this romance contradict a character's previously-established sexual orientation? This is very Mary Sue.

  24. Assuming your character has non-canon friends and/or peers somewhere, does he/she hang out with the canon characters more than his/her own friends or peers? This is Mary Sue as the author wants to be closer to those they like and so put their character in that position.

  25. Does your character end up living with or especially close to any of the canon characters? This is a plot point and not a Mary Sue question.

  26. Is your character's history remarkably similar to the history of a canon character? This goes along with making your character the exact same thing as a canon character you like.

  27. Is your character involved in a canon character's past somehow? This is a plot point.
    1. In a way that was definitely not in the original story? The character the author is writing about is not in the original story so of course whatever happens is not in the original story!

  28. Is the story told all or mostly from your character's point of view? This is a style of writing not a Mary Sue question.

  29. When your character makes his/her first appearance, do most, if not all, the canon characters notice him/her right away? This is a plot point mostly, but it can be very Mary Sue.
    1. Does this scene occur in a crowded place? This is Mary Sue because if its crowded it would be hard for most of the canon characters to see them.

  30. Do the adventures of your character mirror or closely resemble the adventures of any of the canon characters? This is Mary Sue. - Ignore if this is because it happens to pretty much everyone in the canon. This is a good note to add because a lot of things can be similar.

  31. Does your character save the canon characters from a situation or come up with a solution that they probably could have done by themselves in the original? (Admittedly, lead characters tend to be phenomenally lucky, but still...) This is Mary Sue because it focuses the glory on them even though the canon characters would have been just fine.

  32. Does he/she solve the personal problems of any canon character? This can be Mary Sue because it is the author's opinion on what the canon character should do. This is a very tricky thing to write.

  33. Does your character tell off, beat up, humiliate, outdo, or kill a character to whom you would personally like to do the same? This is very Mary Sue.

  34. At any point, does your character take over the job/position of a canon character? This is Mary Sue unless it is written very well.
    1. Because it's a position that you think is interesting or fun? This is very Mary Sue.
    2. Because you think that the character who already does this job isn't good enough? This is very Mary Sue.
    3. Does your character take over this job permanently? This is a plot point.

  35. Does your character get kidnapped by the bad guys? This is a plot point.
    1. Do the canon characters immediately come to the rescue? This is a plot point, but can be Mary Sue depending on how it is told. If they do it cause its their "job" then its fine. But if they do it because the character is "oh so important" then its Mary Sue.
    2. Does he/she rescue him/herself? This is a plot point.
    3. Was your character kidnapped for any special reason? This is a plot point, but it can be Mary Sue as well. If they are kidnapped because they are needed in some ritual then that's fine. But if they are kidnapped because the villain likes them more or something like that then its Mary Sue.
    4. If an RP character played in a freestyle RP, have you tried this plot device with your character more than once during the story? This is Mary Sue because you are initiating the story to go this way. This must me done carefully and with meaning to not be Mary Sue.

  36. Does your character single-handedly accomplish what no-one has managed to do so far? This is blatant Mary Sueism.

  37. Do you plan on writing more stories about your character? Why does it matter if they write more?

  38. Do you plan on writing stories about your character's children? Why does it matter?
Part 4 - RPG Characters
Only answer these questions if you are testing an RPG character.

  1. Do you or have other players told you that you constantly try to bring the story's spotlight onto your character, or have your character do most of the heroic/cool stuff? This is Mary Sue as the author is trying to bring the attention to their character.

  2. If your character is in a tight spot, do you give him/her a new gadget or ability so he/she can escape? The thing with RPG's is that it is played by more then one person and the author does not control everything. So when they give a new gadget to a character just at the right time, others will notice and call it Mary Sueism, because it is.
Part 5 - Redeeming Qualities
Answer for characters of any fiction type. These will subtract from your final score.
  1. Is your character really and honestly overweight, and stays overweight throughout the entire story? (A little bit of chubbiness does not count.) I have a big problem with this whole section in general. Why must a character "honestly" be overweight, ugly, old, yada yada to be redeemed?

  2. Is your character honestly ugly, and stays ugly throughout the entire story? Same as above.

  3. Is your character out of shape, and stays out of shape for the entire story? (Not 'oh, man, I just don't think I can survive this triathlon,' but honestly, hinderingly wimpy?) Same as above.

  4. Is your character physically disabled, and has nothing to make up for it? (To quote Dr. Merlin, anyone who says "She's so pretty that it's like a disability because everyone hates her or wants to have sex with her" will be summarily keelhauled.) Same as above.

  5. Is he/she truly mentally disabled, IE, retarded, and has no powers because or despite of this? Same as above.

  6. Is your character human, 40+, and looks his/her age? Same as above.

  7. Does your character have a truly debilitating phobia that does not mysteriously disappear at a crucial moment? Same as above.
Totals:

0-15 Points
Your character should be fine at this level.7 or less boxes must be checked for this.

16-21
A character can go either way at this point, so fanfiction writers should pay attention to ensure that their characters aren't getting too Sue-ish. For an RPG or original fiction character, however, you should still be within a safe level.10 or less boxes must be checked for this.

22-28
Some definite Sue-like tenancies here. Some polishing is most likely in order to put original fiction and RPG characters back into the balance, especially if Kirking is involved. Fanfiction characters should definitely have some work done.14 or less boxes must be checked for this.

29+
Fanfiction authors beware - Mary's on the loose. There's still a chance you can save this character with some TLC, though. Role-players and original fiction characters, you should also strongly consider giving your character a workover.14 or more boxes must be checked for this.

36+
Fanfiction authors, you might just want to start over. Role-players and original fiction authors, at this point your characters are likely to provoke eye-rolling and exclamations of "yeah, right!" from your readers. (Well, at least from me.) Immediate workover is probably in order.18 or more boxes must be checked for this.

50+
Kill it dead. Or make sure you read the instructions properly (some people don't do this, which causes freakishly high scores) and take the test again.25 or more boxes must be checked for this.

Disclaimer:
Part 1: Any resemblance to other characters in the "samples" is strictly coincidental.
Part 2: If your character receives a high score, it is NOT an attack against you. I am in no way to be accused of bashing your character, capice?

Last Thoughts

Please remember that it takes more than one of these to make a Mary Sue. Several of these must be used together in order to make a Mary Sue and the more there are, the more Mary Sue it is. It is perfectly fine to have a character who is talented and well liked. But it enters Mary Sue territory when that character is talented, well liked, very prettier, never gets in trouble, etc.

Many people will tell you that your character is a Mary Sue, but don't just take their word for it. Learn the meaning behind the name, the different types of Mary Sue's and really question why they think that way. I hope that by reading over this test a lot of people will see the absurdity of many of the questions on here and of many of the ideas floating around in people's heads.

Far to many people cry 'Mary Sue' easily at characters that only have a few Mary Sue traits. Remember that having a few traits does not make a character a Mary Sue, it takes more then that. You have to look at how it is written and what is said, not just the character itself. When a test starts calling me a Mary Sue I think its time for a new test. I am sure most writers would say the same thing about themselves.

Mary Sue started out like this:

The term "Mary Sue" was coined by Paula Smith in 1973, for her parody story "A Trekkie's Tale," published in her fanzine Menagerie #2. The main character was Lieutenant Mary Sue ("the youngest Lieutenant in the fleet...only fifteen and a half years old"). The story poked fun at what Smith considered to be unrealistic adolescent wish-fantasy characters appearing in Star Trek fan fiction of the period.
Originally, in the Star Trek fan fiction community, "Mary Sue" described an original (non-canon) female character who had a romantic liaison with an established canon character, particularly if she possessed unrealistic or unlikely (and often exotic) traits above and beyond those expected of a character in that particular series, or a conventional author surrogate. Later, the concept was expanded to include almost any author surrogate character or highly idealized character that plays a major role in the plot, especially those who upstage the canon characters and occupy the spotlight.

...and that's how it should stay. Being overly picky just ruins everything.

Note: If you would like to discuss anything on this test with me and/or share your own ideas on whether or not something is Mary Sue, please feel free to email me: Novadestin@yahoo.com (please be aware, though, that I mean discussion on the topic of Mary Sue and NOT individual OC's!!).. I would love to discuss this stuff with others because I think it's something that should be discussed and that it's not being. Mary Sueism is not something that has a definitive definition that you can just slap on all the things that are like A but not B. It is always changing, and as such, it is something that always requires discussion and change. Please let me know if I can list the discussions on my site to as they can help others as well!