The Mary Sue Archetype : The Feminine Ideal

After watching Alien Romulus, and the character of Rain, I believe I’ve finally pinpointed what defines a Mary Sue and why this character evokes such a polarizing response from audiences.

In this article, we will explore and explain why this archetype has been both idealized and criticized for so long.

Introduction

The concept of the Mary Sue has often been misunderstood and misrepresented, frequently used with a negative connotation to describe an idealized, often “too perfect” character.

However, this archetype, especially when examined closely, represents something far deeper—a timeless symbol of grace, compassion, and moral strength. The “Mary Sue” is not just a shallow fantasy figure; she embodies the highest form of feminine virtue and resilience, making her a character that audiences can easily empathize with and root for.

This archetype has endured across history and continues to resonate in modern media, serving as a beacon of light in a world that can often seem dominated by cynicism and self-interest.

In this exploration, we delve into what truly defines a “Mary Sue,” why she captivates us, and how she stands as a counterpoint to more cynical or overly intellectualized characters, ultimately representing the pursuit of faith, meaning, and goodness.

A Mary Sue description

Physical Appearance

• Attractive, with a naturally beautiful face.
• Possesses an everyman’s or ordinary beauty—appealing but not overly striking.
• Has large, compassionate eyes, conveying warmth without being overly innocent.
• Features are balanced, avoiding sharp or extreme angles.
• The same applies to clothing—simple, yet not pretentious.
• Exudes a light, subtle beauty and energy, with minimal makeup.
• Gentle in appearance, with no trace of severity, especially in facial features.

Personality Traits

• Asexual in demeanor, with a regular body that is neither overtly feminine nor overly sexualized.
• Displays a hint of masculine behavior, particularly in terms of independence and resilience.
• Capable of standing up for herself.
• Typically comes from a modest background.
• Faces hardship with grace and composure.
• Competent, compassionate, and morally upright.
• Brave and selfless, always willing to help others.
• Non-judgmental and independent, thinking outside of societal norms.
• Acts on feelings rather than cold logic, valuing intuition.
• Unconcerned with others’ opinions, remaining true to herself.
• She has a strong instinct for self-preservation, making it difficult for shady characters to take advantage of her.
• Few romantic partners; she will only enter a relationship with someone who is compassionate and decent to the core.

What Mary Sue represents

This type of woman inspires a desire to respect, to care for her and treat her well, though she may not be the one who ignites the strongest sexual attraction. She is the kind of woman who might be seen as an ideal mother, not necessarily a trophy lover.

The Mary Sue represents the highest archetype for a female protagonist, in contrast to the promiscuous woman or the spoil brat. This archetype is easy to empathize with, making it easy for audiences to quickly care about her fate and become invested in her journey.

An ideal also present in men

This archetype also applies to men, and promiscuous characters, regardless of gender, are seen as distant from this ideal. Just as Jesus is often viewed as the highest ideal for men, the “Mary Sue” serves as a similar ideal for women, embodying the highest form of beauty and virtue. This has been a consistent pattern throughout history.

Actresses cast in “Mary Sue” roles, or in moral and admirable roles, tend to be beloved by the public. Once they become popular through these roles, they often attract luxury brands seeking to associate with their idealized image.

The point of view of cynics and intellectuals

Some might argue that more rational and intellectually inclined women are an improvement over the “Mary Sue,” but this perspective is usually held by cynical and nihilistic individuals who have lost faith and mistakenly equate competence and compassion with naivety.

However, if cynicism is an upgrade from naivety, faith is still a step beyond cynicism. That’s why people often prefer those who still have a fire and light in their eyes and souls over cold, realistic intellectuals.

A realistic intellectual is rarely seen as a desirable ally; they often lack faith, moral clarity, and the ability to choose good over evil. Moreover, realistic cynics are often narcissistic, self centered and the saddest people, numb to all feelings because, in their view, nothing truly matters. Simplicity, therefore, is often preferable to over-sophistication that often comes from rational thinking.

People with faith pursue ideals and meaning, while cynics chase superficiality through status, intellect and hedonism. The term “Mary Sue” is often used negatively, but only by those who are cynical—those who believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest and who have lost their faith in ideals, God, grace, and goodness. They have stopped trusting their gut feelings.

When you lose faith, you lose your sense of what is truly meaningful. If these character were really a fantasy or self-projection of the author they would have disappear long ago but truth and meaning never disappear even in the World of convenience and extremes created by the Internet.

Competition, tragedy and betrayal creates cynicism

Competition, tragedy, and betrayal are key factors that breed cynicism, which is why it tends to be more prevalent in big cities. In densely populated urban environments, people often face intense competition for jobs, resources, and status, leading to a heightened sense of mistrust and self-interest.

The fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere can also expose individuals to more personal and professional setbacks, making them more likely to experience betrayal or disillusionment. Over time, these repeated challenges and disappointments can erode faith in others and create a culture where cynicism thrives.

This explains why urban areas, with their relentless pressures and constant competition, often foster more cynical outlooks than smaller, more close-knit communities.

Cynicism vs faith

Cynics often have a strong dislike or distrust for people with faith because of fundamental differences in worldview and values. Here are a few key reasons why cynics may feel this way:

1. Belief in Ideals vs. Skepticism: People with faith, whether religious or moral, tend to believe in higher ideals such as goodness, meaning, or divine purpose. Cynics, on the other hand, often view these ideals as naive or unrealistic, believing that people are driven primarily by self-interest. This clash between idealism and skepticism creates tension, as cynics may see faith as a denial of harsh realities.

2. Faith in Something Greater: People with faith place trust in a higher power, purpose, or moral code, which often gives them a sense of hope and resilience. Cynics, who tend to reject the existence of a greater meaning or purpose, may find this deeply frustrating. To them, faith can appear as blind optimism or an unwillingness to confront the complexity of life’s struggles.

3. Moral Certainty vs. Moral Relativism: Faith often brings a sense of moral certainty, with clear distinctions between right and wrong. Cynics, however, may embrace moral relativism, believing that right and wrong are subjective and dependent on context. This difference in ethical perspective can lead cynics to view people with faith as rigid or judgmental, while faithful individuals may see cynics as morally adrift.

4. Emotional Vulnerability vs. Emotional Detachment: Faith often involves a sense of vulnerability, trust, and emotional openness, which contrasts sharply with the cynic’s tendency toward emotional detachment. Cynics might interpret this vulnerability as weakness or naivety, while people with faith might see cynics as closed off or incapable of genuine connection.

5. Optimism vs. Pessimism: Faith is typically accompanied by optimism—whether it’s the belief that things will improve, that good will triumph, or that there’s a purpose to suffering. Cynics, on the other hand, often adopt a more pessimistic view, believing that people are inherently flawed and that ideal outcomes are unlikely. This contrast can lead to resentment or misunderstanding, with cynics viewing people of faith as delusional, and those with faith seeing cynics as unnecessarily negative.

Ultimately, cynics and people with faith represent opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum. Cynics often see faith as naive and unrealistic, while people with faith may view cynicism as hollow and devoid of hope. These stark differences in how they approach life, morality, and human nature are what fuel the tension between the two.

It’s worth noting that nearly all villains, both in movies and real life, tend to be cynics who embrace moral relativism.

In general, though there are exceptions, intellectual, realistic, or cynical actresses often tend to be objectified by male directors and the public which has become acceptable and normal for them.

Portraying sexually objectifying roles and then wearing restrained, elegant clothing during an interview is paradoxical and can come across as somewhat disingenuous unless Cognitive dissonance is not something that can affect you.

If the “Mary Sue” is the easiest character to like, cynical characters are the easiest to dislike. For instance, even Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada retains a sense of morality despite her cynicism which makes her likable despite her coldness. While beauty, fecundity, virtuosity and competence are valuable, they are less appreciated by those around you if they are not accompanied by morality and compassion.

In this movie, we can observe Andy’s precise transformation from a Mary Sue to a cynical character and then back to a Mary Sue. These changes are not random themes but reflect a deeper truth.

In Crazy, Stupid, Love., Cal Weaver has essentially the same arc while Jacob’s character arc shifts from cynicism to embracing faith and a monogamous relationship, which is a theme also present for men.

Examples of “Mary Sue” characters

• Rey in Star Wars
• Seo Dal-mi in Start-Up
• Ellen Ripley in Alien
• Rain in Alien Romulus
• Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games
• Naksu in Alchemy of Souls
• Amelia Reardon in True Detective (Season 3)
• Hermione Granger in Harry Potter
• Captain Marvel
• Andy in The Devil wears Prada
• Beatrice Prior in Divergent
• Chani in Dune

Examples of “Gary Stu” characters

• Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible
• Jack Bauer in 24
• Superman
• Batman
• Maximus in Gladiator
• Neo in Matrix
• Harry Potter
• Lucas Scott in One Three Hill
• Four in Divergent

Examples of cynical characters

• Amy Dunne in Gone Girl
• Claire Underwood in House of Cards
• Miranda Priestley in The Devil wears Prada
• Jacob in the beginning of Crazy Stupid Love
• Doona is Doona
• James Bond
• Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders
• Barry Lyndon
• Rust Cohle in True Detective
• Peter, Jeanine Matthews and Caleb Prior in Divergent
• Catherine Tramell in Basic Instinct
• Elijah Price in Unbreakable
• Jim Bennett in The Gambler
• Alice Harford in Eyes Wide Shut
• Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump
• Patrick Bateman in American Psycho
• Tyler Durden in Fight Club
• Lex Luthor in Superman
• Dan Scott in One Tree Hill

To be cynical has some advantages

While cynicism is often viewed negatively, there are certain advantages to having a cynical outlook, particularly when approached with balance. Here are a few potential benefits of being cynical:

1. Heightened Critical Thinking: Cynical individuals tend to question motives and intentions, which can lead to sharper critical thinking. They are less likely to take things at face value and are more inclined to analyze situations deeply, which can help in decision-making and problem-solving.

2. Protection Against Disappointment: Cynics often anticipate the worst or are skeptical of overly optimistic promises. This can shield them from disappointment, as they are less likely to be caught off guard when things don’t go as planned.

3. Reduced Gullibility: Cynicism helps guard against being easily manipulated or deceived. Cynical people are typically more cautious and less trusting, which can prevent them from falling for scams or false promises.

4. Realism in Complex Situations: In situations where idealism might lead to overly optimistic or impractical choices, cynicism can bring a necessary dose of realism. This can be useful in business, politics, or personal relationships, where a grounded perspective helps navigate complicated dynamics.

5. Emotional Detachment: Cynical people often maintain emotional distance, which can be advantageous in high-stress or emotionally charged environments. This detachment can help maintain clarity and avoid being overwhelmed by emotions.

6. Preparedness for Failure: Because cynics often expect setbacks, they may be better prepared for when things go wrong. This mindset can lead to proactive planning and problem prevention, as they are more likely to consider worst-case scenarios.

However, it’s important to note that too much cynicism can lead to negativity, isolation, and pessimism, so it’s valuable to balance cynicism with optimism or open-mindedness where appropriate.

In conclusion, the Mary Sue archetype, often dismissed as unrealistic or overly idealized, holds a profound place in storytelling and human culture.

Far from being a flaw, her qualities of compassion, moral strength, and resilience embody the highest ideals of what it means to be human. She serves as a reminder that faith, grace, and selflessness remain powerful virtues in a world increasingly shaped by cynicism and self-interest.

While critics may view her as naive or simplistic, the enduring appeal of the Mary Sue lies in her ability to inspire, evoke empathy, and reflect the light that many strive to find in themselves and others.

As such, she represents not just an idealized character, but a universal aspiration toward goodness, making her an indispensable figure in both fiction and life.

For most of us, no archetype is more meaningful, beautiful, or ideal than this one. Of course, we need a variety of archetypes to create an interesting world, and for the Mary Sue and Gary Stu to remain the ideals, other characters types are necessary to provide contrast and they need to be extremely rare.