thecouncilwasright:

honestly literally anything can get ur character marked down as a mary sue. just go down the list on ye olde litmus test. they’re confident?? they’re a sue. modest?? also a sue. pretty?? sue again. NOT pretty?? still a sue. friendly?? sue. unfriendly?? sue!! have a tragic backstory?? SUE!! have a perfectly normal backstory where they were loved and cared for?? OH GOD YOU MONSTER, WHEN WILL YOU STOP MAKING SUCH SUES.

i would say the only way to not make a “sue” is to just not give them any traits at all but guess what!! blank-slate characters with little personality are ALSO sues!! it’s a meaningless term!! do whatever you want!!