The Perfection of Malfeasance: Analyzing Mary Sue and Gary Stu in Fictional Characters

In the realm of fiction, the phenomenon of Mary Sue and Gary Stu characters has both fascinated and irked countless readers and authors. These idealized, virtually flawless protagonists often serve as plot devices to advance the narrative, yet their inability to exist within a consistent and realistic world frequently leaves readers and reviewers disenchanted. This article delves into the characteristics of these characters and provides an analysis of a notable example from the Star Wars extended universe.

Understanding Mary Sue and Gary Stu

Mary Sue and Gary Stu, as tropes, refer to characters who are highly idealized and close to perfect, lacking flaws that challenge their protagonists. The term Mary Sue is typically used for female characters, while Gary Stu applies to male characters. These characters are often seen as plot conveniences, where the story is tailored around their success and moral purity. They are designed such that their virtues are overwhelming and failings are either insignificant or arbitrarily introduced to seemingly contradict their 'perfect' nature.

Characteristics of a Mary Sue or Gary Stu

Perfect Virtues: They are exceptionally skilled, flawless, and morally superior. Lack of Flaws: They have no flaws that could realistically challenge them in their journey. No Consistency: Their worlds and rules are inconsistent or bend to accommodate their existence. Rapid Advancement: They often advance through storylines without facing significant challenges. Unilateral Acceptance: Their presence and actions are often met with unexplained adoration or disdain.

A Case Study: IG-88 from Tales of the Bounty Hunters

The Star Wars extended universe offers ample ground for exploring these tropes, as it is replete with books of varying quality that often veer closer to glorified fan fiction. In Tales of the Bounty Hunters, written by Kevin J. Anderson, one such case study is presented through a short story titled Therefore I Am: The Tale of IG-88.

IG-88 as a Perfect Droid

IG-88, a droid with a mere four-second screen time in a movie, has been elevated to the status of a "total Mary Sue" in this narrative. IG-88 is portrayed as a super-soldier droid that is multiplied into five versions, all engendered with the same near-mythical abilities. These droids are exceptionally smart and master hackers, fearlessly taking on any challenge thrown their way. Their inventory includes every weapon imaginable, and they effortlessly conquer entire factory planets within the first few pages of the story.

Allegiances and Employment

Instead of staying with their manufacturers, the IG-88s immediately find employment as bounty hunters. Even when the Sith Lord Darth Vader himself hires one, the droid spends the whole conversation calculating and assessing potential fights, demonstrating his fearlessness and preoccupation with combat. It is established that these droids can turn up at the most significant events of the original Star Wars movies, including harrowing battles and pivotal actions.

Contradictory Narrative

The narrative poses a paradox: while the droids are incredibly powerful and effective, they somehow remain incapable of influencing the outcomes of major storylines within the Star Wars universe. They constantly face defeat in battles and paradoxically achieve no lasting impact on the overall narrative. For example, IG-88 and other droids fight alongside Boba Fett during his mission to capture Han Solo, yet Boba Fett consistently defeats every droid he encounters. Another droid later hacks the Death Star, only to be destroyed along with the station during the final battle.

Conclusion

The case of IG-88 in Tales of the Bounty Hunters exemplifies the pitfalls of the Mary Sue and Gary Stu tropes, showcasing how excessive idealization of a character can lead to inconsistencies and illogical narratives. This phenomenon serves as a caution to authors to ensure that their characters not only fit within the established universe but also contribute meaningfully to its storyline. By understanding and avoiding these tropes, authors can create more compelling and realistic narratives that resonate with their readers.