The big question for writers\u2014assuming you want<\/em> to write rounded, believable characters instead of Mary Sues\u2014is how do you avoid<\/em> this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is flaws. Yes, your characters need real, logical flaws to be rounded and not cardboard. I\u2019m not talking about the supposed \u201cflaws\u201d of a Mary Sue, like \u201cher lower lip was too full for true beauty\u201d or \u201cshe\u2019s clumsy\u201d (but she\u2019s an amazing warrior with little or no training) or \u201cshe\u2019s shy\u201d (but everyone is so drawn to her and wants her advice and wisdom). Those aren\u2019t flaws, they\u2019re red herrings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real flaws are character traits that have consequences. If a character really is shy, they will have trouble speaking to other people, especially in large groups. If they\u2019re clumsy, they will not make a good warrior because they won\u2019t be physically coordinated. If they have some sort of trauma in their background, they might suffer from PTSD, which is a debilitating disorder, not a handy \u201clet\u2019s give Mary Sue a flaw\u201d characteristic with a couple of minor problems for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating realistic, logical, rounded characters is hard work. Some authors just can\u2019t be bothered to do that work, so they come up with Mary Sue instead. However, if you want to be a better, more effective author, you will put in the work and craft the best characters you know how to. And that means researching those flaws to make sure you understand what consequences they will have, then making certain those consequences pop up periodically to trouble your character. This way, not only will your character avoid being a Mary Sue, but they will be even more sympathetic for your readers, who will be biting their nails waiting for those flaws to pop up and ruin things for your character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your favorite character flaws?<\/p>\n