30 fays of fandom meme

[scripsi]

8 – Do you write OCs? And if so, what do you do to make certain they're not Mary Sues, and if not, explain your thoughts on OCs.

If we define a Mary Sue as a (according to Wikipedia) “idealized character, often but not necessarily an author insert and/or wish-fulfillment”, then my original characters are not Mary Sue’s, but I do write OC occasionally. I write them when I get an idea that doesn’t fit any character in a fandom. My Dracula fics all have original female characters and I guess it could be argued that Clara may have a self insertion as the main character is a librarian. Professor Keller and Little Miss Sunbeam, both Doctor Who-fics have original characters as they take place at times when the Doctor isn’t around, so there wasn’t any good characters to pick from. Dudley’s girlfriend in Dudley’s Cousin is someone we know is around as Dudley marries and get children in Harry Potter, though we know nothing about her in person. But I must confess to have written one Mary Sue, a very deliberate choice as it is a parody fic called Captain Hook and the Mary Sue.

The first fanfic I ever read had an OC as main character and it was a very good fic, so it took me some time to realise that original characters often gets dismissed as Mary Sues. I think that is rather unfair. If a person isn’t skilled enough to write an interesting character, then s/he can’t write other people’s character’s interesting either. I have, for example, read a number of Harry Potter fics where Hermione is nothing like she is in the books. Usually she has “over summer” developed an interest in makeup, push up bras and pop singers. And, of course, a skilled writer can make any character, self invented or not, engaging.

Speaking of fanfic writing in general, I have finally managed to get my act together and started writing again. The Master and Romana.

Comments

[liadt]

One the first fics I wrote had a total Mary Sue in it, luckily I realized this before typing it up! My OC's aren't me. Though whether canon or not characters can occasionally parrot the views of the voice of God (i.e me) if it fits them. Usually on my social justice days!

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

The stories I made up in my head in my teens had text book Mary Sues and they were very satisfying to conjure up. And I believe many of the Mary Sues out there are a natural process in excersising your imagination. It's always easier to imagine someone like you or an idealzied version of what you would want to be.

I'm not a fantastic author and I don't delude myself in believing my character's are all unique. The character's I'm drawn to ofter have similarities regardless of fandom. :)

[liadt]

I like similar characters too. Much as I would like to claim I like different things the passing of the years has shown me to be more predictable than I would like in my fannish choices!

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Oh well, one is drawn to specific characteristics in our choice of partners and friends, so why not characters when writing fanfiction as well? :)

[liadt]

I should stop feeling sorry for the serial killers though;p But then what do I have in common with the hero?

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

LOL! I don't really identify with heroes either. :) That's actually one of the reasons I love Doctor Who so much, I enjoy a hero that can be rather ambigious at times.:)

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

Very good way of thinking of it...if they can write the 'borrowed' characters with any degree of accuracy, then their original characters shouldn't be a detriment, but an asset.

*HUGS*

[scripsi.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly! :D *hugs*