A fanfiction archetype: an idealized, often self-insert original character who is implausibly skilled, universally adored by canon characters, and immune to real flaws or consequences — used as sharp critical shorthand for wish-fulfillment writing.
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
"The new protagonist can do literally everything perfectly, total Mary Sue."
LORE & ORIGIN
Coined in 1973 by Paula Smith in her Star Trek fanzine parody "A Trekkie's Tale," starring Lieutenant Mary Sue, a hyper-competent 15-year-old who outshines every established character. The name stuck as fandom's permanent label for that specific archetype, later extended to "Gary Stu"/"Marty Stu" for male versions, and remains one of the oldest and most durable pieces of critical vocabulary fandom has ever produced.
EQUIVALENT CONCEPTS IN OTHER LANGUAGES
MENTIONS OVER TIME
Radar observation data not yet available for this term.
RELATED SEARCHES
TOP PLATFORMS
Not enough Radar data yet to show a platform breakdown.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST HEAR THIS?
CLICK AN OPTION BELOW TO CAST YOUR VOTE.
[ VOTE TO REVEAL COMMUNITY RESULTS ]