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How to avoid Mary Sues in Screenplay

F

Future_Screen

Mary Sues. In the normal literature those characters are the most hated one. But what is a Mary Sue? For those who doesn’t know what this is, I explain it. Those character can do everything, are popular by the first view. Generally, they’re like a god. However, this isn’t good for the story. So, do you know some tips to avoid it.

P.S.: Yah! I know those typical tips like give them flaws, etc. But sometimes you forget them while you’re writing!
 
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Future_Screen said:
P.S.: Yah! I know those typical tips like give them flaws, etc. But sometimes you forget them while you’re writing!
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I have a question for you;

How can you forget to write a compelling, interesting character?

I understand that most of the time a first draft is filled with cliches
and generally poor writing. But don't you remember to fix those
things as you rewrite?
Future_Screen said:
So, do you know some tips to avoid it.
Click to expand...
I'll give you some tips after you answer.
 
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Nobody is perfect. Everybody has flaws, so it is not realistic to write a perfect person. So you can write your loveable/memorable characters with flaws and they will be even that more lovable, and realistic, to boot.
 
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Great point re flaws! When we were about to go into production on my first feature (Surviving Family), a colleague pointed out that the main guy was too perfect. So I developed a flaw that is a "reveal" at about the 3/4 point. Not only is it one of the best scenes (and super important to the character), the actor loved it.
 
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