Psychology of the Mary Sue: Embracing the Cringe
In the realm of storytelling, particularly in fan fiction and speculative fiction, the term "Mary Sue" has emerged as a controversial and often derisive label. Originally coined in the 1970s, a Mary Sue refers to a character who is excessively idealized and seemingly without flaws. These characters often serve as wish-fulfillment for their creators, exhibiting extraordinary abilities, beauty, and charm. While the Mary Sue archetype is frequently criticized for being unrealistic and self-indulgent, exploring the psychology behind these characters can reveal deeper insights into human creativity, identity formation, and the notion of "cringe." This article delves into the psychological aspects of the Mary Sue, supported by peer-reviewed research, and discusses how embracing these characters can contribute to personal growth and self-acceptance.
Origins and Characteristics of the Mary Sue
The term "Mary Sue" originated from a 1973 Star Trek fan fiction parody by Paula Smith. The protagonist, Lieutenant Mary Sue, was a young, brilliant, and perfect officer who effortlessly solved problems and won the admiration of established characters. Since then, the term has evolved to describe any character in fan fiction or original works who is unrealistically flawless and overly competent.
Key Characteristics
Exceptional Skills and Talents: Mary Sues often possess abilities far beyond what is plausible, excelling in multiple domains without effort.
Physical Perfection: They are typically described as extraordinarily attractive, often with unique and striking features.
Universal Admiration: These characters are universally loved and respected by other characters in the story, facing little genuine conflict or opposition.
Idealized Personal Qualities: Mary Sues exhibit an array of positive traits, such as kindness, intelligence, and bravery, often to an unrealistic extent.
Psychological Underpinnings
Understanding why writers create Mary Sue characters requires examining the psychological motivations behind such creations. Research in psychology suggests that these characters can serve various functions for their creators.
Identity Exploration and Wish Fulfillment
Creating a Mary Sue can be a form of identity exploration and wish fulfillment. According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for identity formation. Writing about idealized characters allows individuals to experiment with different aspects of their identity and envision their ideal selves.
Example: A young writer might create a Mary Sue who embodies qualities they aspire to, such as confidence, competence, and attractiveness. This character becomes a vehicle for exploring their desires and ambitions in a safe and imaginative way.
Coping Mechanism and Escapism
Mary Sues can also function as a coping mechanism for dealing with real-life challenges and insecurities. By projecting themselves into a perfect character, writers can escape from the pressures and difficulties of their everyday lives.
Example: Someone experiencing bullying or low self-esteem might create a Mary Sue who is universally admired and successful, providing temporary relief from their struggles and a sense of empowerment.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy, a psychological approach that involves telling and re-telling personal stories to find meaning and resolve issues, can be relevant to the creation of Mary Sues. By crafting stories around idealized characters, individuals can process their experiences, reframe their narratives, and envision positive outcomes.
Example: A writer dealing with past trauma might create a Mary Sue who overcomes similar challenges, helping them to process their own experiences and gain a sense of control and hope.
Embracing the Cringe
The term "cringe" is often used to describe feelings of embarrassment or discomfort, particularly when witnessing overly idealized or unrealistic content. However, embracing the cringe associated with Mary Sues can lead to greater self-acceptance and creative freedom.
Self-Acceptance and Authenticity
Recognizing and accepting one's own creative expressions, even those that might be deemed "cringeworthy," can foster self-acceptance and authenticity. Embracing the Mary Sue can be an act of self-compassion, acknowledging that everyone has fantasies and desires that might not align with societal norms of realism or sophistication.
Example: A writer who accepts their inclination to create Mary Sues without shame might experience increased confidence in their creative abilities and a greater willingness to share their work with others.
Creative Freedom and Experimentation
Embracing the cringe allows for greater creative freedom and experimentation. By rejecting the fear of judgment, writers can explore new ideas and styles, ultimately enhancing their storytelling skills and finding their unique voice.
Example: Allowing oneself to write an unapologetically idealized character can lead to unexpected insights and innovations, contributing to the writer's overall growth and development.
Simply Put
The Mary Sue archetype, often dismissed as unrealistic and self-indulgent, holds significant psychological value. Understanding the motivations behind creating such characters—ranging from identity exploration and wish fulfillment to coping mechanisms and narrative therapy—reveals their deeper significance in the creative process. Embracing the cringe associated with Mary Sues can promote self-acceptance, authenticity, and creative freedom, ultimately enriching both the writer's personal growth and their storytelling.
References
Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. Psychological Issues, 1, 18-171.
McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of General Psychology, 5(2), 100-122.
White, M., & Epston, D. (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. Norton & Company.
Cohen, G. L., & Sherman, D. K. (2014). The psychology of change: Self-affirmation and social psychological intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 333-371.
Seibel, S. (2011). Fan fiction: Exploring the relationship between fan and writer. Transformative Works and Cultures, 8.
