There's Something About Mary (Sue)

Have you ever met that person who is so seemingly perfect that you sort of just wanted to punch them in their perfect face?

Well, the truth is, unless they were an actual Stepford Wife, then they weren't really perfect. They have just as many flaws, bouts of self doubt, neurosis, and strengths and weaknesses as you do.

Because they're human.

And your characters should be the same way. See, sometimes we're tempted -- subconsciously, even -- to create flawless characters. They're always the prettiest, smartest, and funniest person in the room. They can learn to play classical piano in fifteen minutes, before they go home and whip up a five star, ten course meal without any formal culinary schooling and without burning the house down -- not even with the flaming Baked Alaska.

This character has no downsides, no temper, and never has an acne breakout.

This character is what we call a "Mary Sue" (Or "Gary Stu", for the fellas).

A Mary Sue may be defined as this: An idealized and seemingly perfect fictional character, often recognized as wish fulfillment on the part of the Author.

Think about "Superman". He's got immaculate hair, an unshakeable moral compass, and is -- quite literally -- invulnerable (aside from some sensitivity to some glowing green bling).

While that may have worked well for a comic book character whose story had to be told in ten pages, even now these iconic creations are being updated to bring a little more reality into them.

Because the point of the matter is that Mary Sues are boring. We go to the movies or hop onto Netflix to go on adventures with characters we can relate to, not faultless cardboard cutouts.

There's nothing wrong with having a character who is good. As long as they aren't perfect.

So look at your characters as honestly as you can -- and don't let your love for them blind you to the possibility that their flaw may be having no flaws.

Give them some real life problems, and watch to see just how much more alive they become.

AND SO WERE YOUR CHARACTERS