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Article about Mary-Sues
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"Not trying to be like everybody else, well that's just like being like everybody else.
The things you think are special are actually the norm,
so don't think that you're different in your punk rock uniform." ~Part of the lyrics from a Karate High School song, Punk Rock Uniform

A "Mary-Sue" is a character in someones' cast that is very special. She is very special to the author, because she's the author's favorite. And the author wants her to be everyone else's favorite, too. She has amazing qualities unlike anyone else! She has shining, purple eyes. Wings and cat ears too, but she hides those in a backpack or hat so none of her dumpy friends know. Her parents died because she is immortal. She has amazing talents, but is very shy and trips a lot. She might not like being the center of attention, but she is anyway. She always knows what's right.

Sound familiar? Yes? Guess why?

Authors who create characters like this are trying to create a character that's not like anyone else. But doing so, is like being like everyone else ANYWAY.

The trick is not to create a character that's 'not like everyone else'- instead, make a character that *IS* like everyone else. I mean this in a sense of realism. Base the character off of someone you KNOW. Give them REAL qualities. Make them GROW through the story, make them change, to learn from mistakes, to become stronger, to live and love and learn just like everybody else.

A good character is someone who grows. They learn from mistakes, they gain experience from learning from other people. They are unique in many ways, but they're also very flawed. They have their weaknesses, but they've also go their strengths.

It is OK to give them unique and special qualities, but DO NOT go overboard. People really DO have unusual traits all the time, but they aren't extremely burdened with them all.

5 Quick Tips:
1. Don't make your character a voicepeice for all your beliefs.
2. Make your character solve problems through the story, and develop through trials.
3. Perfection is impossible.
4. Give your character likeable elements and unlikeable elements. I'm sure you don't love every single thing about any of your friends. They've got problems, you do too.
5. Refrain from 'angsting'. Please.

Bear in mind what real people are like, and you will make a good character. Also consider what is 'the norm' in your universe. (If EVERYONE has wings and cat ears, then its OK for a character to have wings and cat ears.) Happy Character-Making!