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LoZ Mary-Sue Litmus Test BETA

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THE 'LEGEND OF ZELDA'
MARY SUE LITMUS TEST
adapted for the fandom by Fox Lee (foxlee@dodo.com.au)
with the help of deviantArt's 'Zelda OC Club'
based on the original test by Merlin Missy (missy@reimer.com)
© 1997, 2005, 2007

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NOTES:

* "She" is generally used in this test because female Sues are about a gajillion times more common in the Zelda fandom than males (male authors just tend to shape Link to their ideal instead of making a new character). Replace "she" with "he" to get mostly the same results, but male characters might get screwy results, since this is a draft ^^;

* Some people interpret certain Hylian races (particularly Sheikah and Gerudo) as being very long-lived compared to humans. For such races, where the test mentions a particular age or age group, consider it to say "or the equivalent thereof, for long-lived races".

* Follow-up questions are denoted by being indented from the original question they are based on - you only need to answer the followup question if you said "yes" to the original question. If there are multiple followups, answer them all if you answered "yes" to the original question; however, if the followups have folowups, only answer them if you said "yes" to the preceeding followup.
  For example:

  + Question 1 (answered yes)
    + Question 1a (answered yes)
      + Question 1ai (<---answer this)
    + Question 1b (answered no)
      + Question 1bi (<---don't answer this)

* Where canon characters are mentioned, any canonical version of the character counts (TP Link is no different to Ocarina Link, etc.). "Link" includes any of the Four Swords Links as well as ordinary Link. If you have your own incarnations of commonly recurring characters from the series (Zelda, Link, Ganon, etc.) they count as "canonical", but judge their behaviour and relationships based on your setting.

* Questions which earn points are marked with "+"; Questions which subtract points are marked with "-". If this isn't the case, check the scoring box - I'm more likely to have typoed the bullet than the score adjustment ^^; Also, notes are marked with "!".

* This version is a beta! It probably has mistakexs all over it ^^; Let me know if I've made a typo, or if there's something you think I should add/remove!

* This test is not directed at /any/ specific person or their character, and is not attended to cause insult to anybody! It's just intended to help writers who are worried they might be making a Mary-Sue, and give us a bit of a chuckle. It's coloured by my own concept of what consitutes a Mary-Sue, but it's based primarily on common thought on the topic, and on observation of LoZ fanfic. It's not automatically right, nor 100% accurate - and, while it might be a bit biased, remember that some of my own characters score quite highly too. Basically, if you're offended by it, please relax and don't take it so seriously! ^^;

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[ SECTION 1 - The Name ]

+ Is the character named after you? (This can be your first name, middle name, or your "handle".) [10]
  + And you use this name for original characters in other fandoms, too? [5]

+ Is the character's name an unusual spelling of a more common name (eg. Jazmyn, Rebekah)? [1]

+ Is the character's name a noun or adjective not normally used for a name? [1]
  + Deliberately spelled in an unusual fashion? (eg. Ravyn, Majick) [2]

+ Is the character's name a name the she chose for herself? [1]
  + Because she was exiled and abandoned her original name? [2]
  - Because her real name is extremely embarrassing [-1]

+ Does the character have a really cool name that you wish you had? [1]

+ Does the character have a name you want to give (or have given) to your pet or child? [1]

+ Does the character have a cool nickname or pseudonym? [1]
  + Is it a "dangerous" nickname (e.g. Death Dealer, Crimson Fury, etc.)? [2]
  + Does it relate to the goddesses or their attributes (power, wisdom or courage)? [1]

+ Does the character's name include a nature-, weapon- or astrology-themed compound word (eg. brightblade, shadowfire, dawnstar, etc.) [4]

+ Does the character's name contain unnecessary hyphens, apostrophes, or other punctuation? (e.g. M'chelle, Gloria-Angelica, etc.) [4]

+ Does the character have more than one first, middle, or last name, without reason? [3]

+ Is the character's name deliberately taken from a published or fictional language or racial style from a series other than TLoZ (eg. Tolkien elvish)? [2]

+ Is the character named after a character you like from another fandom? [4]

+ Is the character's name Japanese? [2]
  + And do you (and/or the story's characters) append "chan" or a similar Japanese honourific to it? [2]

+ Is the character's name unusual (taking into account the setting) in some other way? [2]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 2 - Physical Attributes ]

Is the character, in whole or in part:
  + A Zora? [1]
  + A female Gerudo? [2]
    - Who has "the Gerudo nose"? [-2]
  + A Sheikah? [3]
  + A Twili? [3]
  + A member of a new race you made up? [4]
  + A unique or created being? [6]
  + A Great Fairy? [6]
  - A female goron, or female member of a 'monstrous' race (eg. Moblin, Lizalfos, Deku scrub, etc.) [-10]
    ! Doesn't count if she does not appear to be a goron/monstrous creature.

- Does the character not have the benefits of being part of her race(s), but still have the drawbacks? [-3]
  ! Subtract only 1 point if the character eventually does get the benefit(s), anywhere in the story/series.

+ Is the character a cross-breed of two races or species? [1]
  + Of three or more races? (This includes "traces" of other races in her genetics if they show in her appearance or abilities.) [3]
  + Does the character noticeably have all of the beneficial traits of these races? [2]
    ! Additional +2 if the character is a mixture of three or more races.
  + If the races from which the character is descended have significant drawbacks (eg., the Zoras' weakness to fire and ice, the Gorons' inability to swim), does the character somehow not suffer from them? [4]
    ! Additional +4 if the character is a mixture of three or more races.

+ If the character is from a long-lived or very attractive race, is she old or extremely beautiful, even by the standards of her race? [4]

+ If the character is from a race with inherent magical abilities or physical power, is she extremely gifted or powerful, even by the standards or her race? [4]

+ Is the character between 14 and 21 years of age? [1]

+ Does the character look like she is between 14 and 21 years of age, despite being older? [2]
  + For a magical or special reason? [2]
    + That you plan on making a plot point later? [1]

- Is the character over 25 (and looks her age)? [-1]
  - Over 30? [-4]
    - Over 40? [-6]

- Does the character look older than 25, but is actually significantly younger? [-3]

+ Is the character the age you would like to be? [1]

+ Is the character a female between 5'8" and 5'11", or a male over 6'0"? [2]
  + A male over 6'6"? [2]

- Is the character a male under 5'5", or a female over 6'0"? [-1]

+ Is the character's hair always in perfect condition? [1]
+ Despite her not having the resources (eg. shampoo), or not expending the effort, to keep it that way? [4]

+ Does the character have hair that reaches to or past her waist? [1]
  + To or past her backside? [1]
    + Her knees? [2]
      + Her /ankles/? [3]

+ Does the character have unusually large breasts? [1]
  + Despite being younger than 16? [3]

+ If female, is the character's body "statuesque", "lithe", "delicate", "deceptively slender", "perfectly toned", or otherwise perfect and fat-free? [4]
  + Is she as strong as (or stronger than) a full-grown man in spite of appearing slender/waifish/delicate? [4]

+ If male, is the character's body "statuesque", "towering", "powerfully muscled", "rippling", "intimidating", or otherwise dangerous or powerful-looking? [4]

+ Do you find the character highly attractive? [2]

+ Does one or more of the canon characters find the character highly attractive? [2]
  + Do other canon characters see her as a threat because of this? [2]

+ Does the character have a visual trait which is unusual for her race (eg. strangely-coloured hair or eyes) which does not actually detract from her appearance, yet she is considered freakish or ugly for it? [6]

+ Does the character have an unusual eye colour (relative to her race) for no apparent reason? [3]
  + Are her eyes two different colours? [2]
  + Will this be a plot point later? [1]

+ Does the character have a scar or a strange marking that is noticed by another character, but does not actually detract from his/her appearance? [1]
  + Is it a birthmark? [1]
    + Of a shape that would not occur naturally (eg. a star, a sword, etc.) [2]
      + Is it Triforce-shaped? [2]
      + Will this be a plot point later on? [2]
  + Is it a Triforce mark (as in, the same type of glowy/magic mark as Link/Zelda/Ganondorf have)? [6]

+ Does the character have one or more tattoos? [1]
  + Do you wish /you/ had (or do you actually have) that/those tattoo(s)? [3]

+ Is the character deaf, mute, or both? [1]
  + Is she no longer deaf and/or mute by the end of the story/series, or else dead? [3]
  - Does she remain deaf or mute beyond the end of the story/series, and remain alive? [-1]

- Is the character otherwise physically disabled in a significant fashion (not just a minor injury, like missing a finger or toe)? [-2]
  + Is the character no longer disabled at the end of the story/series, or else dead? [1]

- Is the character mentally disabled? [-10]

- Is the character genuinely overweight (not just thinks she's overweight)? [-6]
  - Is this remarked upon by another character who is not motivated by jealousy? [-2]
  - Is the character obese? [-10]
  + Is the character no longer overweight by the end of the story/series? [2]
    + Due to magic? [4]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 3 - Backstory ]

+ Is the character the long-lost sibling, child, other relative, or mystical soulmate, of a regular character? [1]
  + Of Link? [2]
    ! Additional +2 if the character is Link's child, and the mother is your personal favourite canonical female.
  + Of Zelda? [2]
  + Of Ganondorf? [3]
    ! No points if the character is Ganondorf's child in a setting where /all/ pureblood Gerudo are related to Ganondorf.
  + Of one of the six sages? [2]
    - Is it Rauru or Darunia? [-2]
  + Of Malon? [2]
  + Of one of the goddesses? [20]
    - But she doesn't have any special powers as a result? [-10]
  + Does she not know about it? [4]
    - And she never finds out? [-2]

Is the character, or has she even been:
  + Orphaned, abandoned or adopted as a child? [1]
  + Born or forced into slavery? [1]
  + Born or raised in extreme poverty? [1]
  + The sole survivor of a calamity? [2]
  + Physically abused? [2]
    + By a caregiver? [2]
  + Sexually abused? [3]
    + Raped? [3]
    + By a caregiver? [3]
  + An illegitimate birth? [2]
  + The later parent of illegitimate child? [1 per child]
  + Running away from home (for more than a few days)? [1]
  + Fleeing from an arranged marriage? [3]
  + Banished/exiled from her/his family/tribe/country/etc.? [3]
  + Keeping her dreadful past a secret? [2]
    + To keep the people around her from getting hurt? [2]
  + Through any other life experience inspired by V.C. Andrews? [2]
  + The only character in the story/series to whom such things have happened? [2]
  + Did you answer 'yes' to more than three of the above questions? [2]
    + To more than six? [4]
  + Does the character consistently "angst" about any or all of these things? [2]
    + Does she nobly keep it to herself? [2]

+ Is the character married or betrothed to a canon character? [4]
  + To Ganondorf? [4]

+ Is the character a member of a "despised" caste, race or social class? [1]
  + Is it a plot point of the "I can make a contribution even thought I'm ... " variety? [1]

+ Is the character a member of a hitherto unknown clan/tribe/organisation? [1]
  + And is she the last surviving member of it? [2]

+ Does the character suffer from guilt about something terrible that she did in the past? [1]
  + Despite overwhelming evidence that it wasn't really her fault? [2]
  + Do the other characters continually have to reassure her that it wasn't her fault? [2]
    + And they don't get sick of this at any point? [2]

+ Does the character have amnesia? [2]
  + Does she still retains some trinket from her past, such as a locket or charm? [2]
    + Which is magical and/or a major plot point? [2]

+ Did the character have an unusual birth or unusual experience in early infancy? (i.e. abducted, placed in a basket and set afloat, visited by Three Weirdos, etc.) [1]

+ Is the character mentioned in a prophecy or similar prediction of future/destiny? [3]
  + About the fate of the entire world? [3]
  + Does she not know about it until a particular wise person or villain reveals it to her during the story? [3]
  + Does she "just want to be a normal girl" despite this destiny? [3]

+ Is the character royalty of any type? [3]
  + Does she not originally know about it? [3]
    + Because she was sent into hiding to protect her from her family's/country's enemies? [3]

+ Does the character's backstory contain no elements from any iteration of Hyrule (ie. she is not from any known race or tribe, does not come from any previously established location, etc.) except for attachments to a canon character? [1]
  + Does it contain elements that actively contradict the iteration of Hyrule she is in (ie. you have altered the canonical history to fit in the character's race/clan/homeland/etc.) ? [4]
    + Does the character herself actually replace an important character or historical figure from the canon storyline? [6]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 4 - Character Traits and Powers]

+ Does the character share your job or hobbies, or have a job or hobby that you would like to have? [2]

+ Does the character replace an important canonical character in their role (eg. Link, one of the Sages, etc.) [6]

+ Is the character a female with an amazing singing voice? [2]
  + Does she repeatedly use this gift to cheer up the group, or to some magical effect? [1]

+ Or play a musical instrument amazingly well (beyond just being competent with it)? [1]
  + Is it the ocarina? [2]

+ Does the character have a supernatural power which has been established to exist in the Zelda-verse (such as attack magic or shapechanging)? [1]
  + Does she have two or more such powers? [2]
    + More than three? [4]
  + Is that power particularly rare? [2 per power]
    + Is that power canonically held only by one important character? [3 per power]

+ Does the character have a supernatural power which /hasn't/ been established to exist in the Zelda-verse)? [3]
  + Does she have two or more such powers? [3]
    + More than three? [6]
  + Is she the only person with that power/those powers? [4]

+ Does the character normally have no (or very few) special powers, except for a unique power she can use on special occasions, which somehow makes her invaluable to the plot (eg. she is the only one who can seal Ganondorf)? [6]

+ Is the character the holder of a Triforce? [6]
  - After the canonical holder passed away or was otherwise taken out of the picture? [-3]
  + While the canonical holder is still around? [2]
  + Is it a secret fourth Triforce nobody knew about before? [4]

+ Can the character fly? [2]
  + Without the aid of wings? [2]
  - Is the character a rito, or other previously-established winged race? [-1]

+ Do animals and/or children instinctively like the character? [2]
  - Only non-butterfly insects and crawly lizard-type critters? [-2]

+ Does the character think of any of her abilities as being a curse, despite its obvious usefulness or power? [4]

+ Is the character the secret/forgotten fourth goddess of creation, or her avatar? [Turn in your test, we have a Sue.]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 5 - Love ]

+ Does the character fall in one-sided love with a canon character? [1]
  + Is it Link? [1]
  + Dark/Shadow Link? [1]
  + Ganondorf? [2]
  + Kisshin/Oni/Fierce Deity Link? [2]
  + All of the above? [3]

+ Does a canon character fall in love with and/or have sex with the character? [2]
  + Is it Link? [2]
    + Does he mysteriously become a suave, romantic cassanova? [4]
    + Does he mysteriously become a bad boy who plays by his own rules and scoffs at Zelda/Malon/Saria/Ilia? [6]
  + Dark/Shadow Link or Kisshin/Oni/Fierce Deity Link? [2]
    + Does this begin as an abusive relationship or as rape? [4]
    + Is she the only one who can make him feel real? [4]
  + Ganondorf? [4]
    + Does this begin as an abusive relationship or as rape? [4]
    + Is she the only one who can touch the tiny fragments of good left in his dark heart? [6]
    + Does the entire plot focus around him trying to kidnap her because he's so obsessed with her? [6]
  + Zelda? [2]
    + Because he rescued her at some point and/or replaced Link as her protector? [4]
  + Malon? [2]
  + Saria, who mysteriously/magically becomes an adult so it's not creepy? [4]
  + Does the character already have an established canonical partnership with somebody else? [4]
    ! For non-confirmed attraction (eg. Link + Zelda or Link + Malon in OoT) add only 2.
      ! For one-sided attraction (eg. Link + Ruto), only add points if the character in the relationship with your character is the one who's attracted.
    + But the partner in question likes your character so much that she doesn't begrudge the new couple? [8]
  + Does the canon character go through any other major personality change not mentioned here? [4]
  + Is it a character with whom /you/ would like to have a relationship? [2]
  + Does the character have such a relationship with more than three canonical characters? [Turn in your test, we have a Sue. Unless...]
    - One of them was Tingle [-30]

+ Does the character become romantically or sexually involved with another original character? [1]
  + With multiple other original characters? [2]
  + With whom /you/ would like to have a relationship? [1]

+ Does the character's presence (whether immediately or eventually) make a pair of canon characters realise they were meant for each other? [2]
  + Is it Link and Zelda/Malon/Saria/Ilia? [2]
  + Is it Link and Dark/Shadow Link, or Link and Sheik? [4]
  + Is it Ganondorf and /anybody/? [6]
  + Is it the character's death and/or heroic sacrifice which makes them realise this? [2]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 7 - The Story/Plot ]

+ Does the title of the story include the character's name/nickname, or is it a description of the character (eg. "The Legend of Zelda" XD)? [5]

+ Do you introduce the character on the first page of the story? [2]
  + In the first sentence? [1]

+ Do you describe the character's appearance more than once, or on the first page? [1]
  + With specific attention to her gorgeous hair and/or eyes? [2]

+ Do you tell the story from the character's point of view, all or mostly? [1]

+ Does the character meet Link on his quest and immediately become his companion? [2]

Is the character introduced by:
  + Beating one or more canon characters in a fight? [4]
  + Saving one or more canon characters from a villain or monster? [4]
  + Beating up some poor schmuck who said something sexist, because girls can do anything? [2]
  + Beating up some poor schmuck who hit on her? [1]
    + Even though she was wearing a low-cut top at the time? [3]
  + Being rescued by Link? [2]
  + Being an important plot figure whom Link must seek out (such as a sage)? [4]
  + Being somebody's childhood friend? [2]

+ Does your character know or come to know all the canon characters whom you like? [1]
  + Do they all end up liking the character? [1]
    + Do they all /start out/ liking her (or like her as soon as she meets them)? [2]
  - Do some of them actively /dis/like the character? [-1]

+ Does your character get kidnapped at some point, or does somebody attempt to kidnap her? [2]
  + More than once? [1]
  + By a villain who is romantically obsessed with her? [2]
  + Do most or all of your plot devices begin like this, or does the story revolve around everybody (or specifically Link) protecting your character? [4]

+ Does the character regularly get injured in a dramatic/self-sacrificing fashion? [2]
  + In, like, every fight? [4]

+ Do people repeatedly look down on or revile the character for being a woman who can fight? [2]
  + So she can righteously kick their arses while making sacrastic one-liners? [2]
    + Including "didn't your mother ever tell you not to pick on girls"? [6]
  + Even though she's a Gerudo? [4]

+ Does the character reform a villainous character through friendship and/or affection? [2]
  + Is it Dark/Shadow Link? [2]
  + Is it Ganondorf? [8]
  + Does the villain become evil again after the character dies, but retain some last vestige of goodness from his/her interaction with the character, evidenced in one selfless action at the end of the story? [4]

+ Does the character single-handedly save the day, the world, and/or another character's life? [3]
  + With a new power she didn't know she had before? [3]
  + And almost dies in the process? [2]
    + Is it only "almost" because at the last minute, the villain couldn't bring himself to kill her? [6]
  + And dies in the process? [3]
    + In the arms of her beloved? [2]
      + Who is the one she died to save? [1]
    + And everyone goes into mourning? [1]
      + Does the world itself, or all the animals/trees, go into mourning? [4]
    + Do one or more other characters blame themselves for her death? [2]
    + And she gets not-dead by the end of the story? [4]
    + And she gets not-dead in the sequel? [4]

+ Does /somebody else/ heroically sacrifice themselves to save the character? [2]
  + Because they're in love with her? [2]
    + Is it a canon villain? [6]

+ Does the character end up living at Hyrule Castle or Lon Lon Ranch, or travelling around alongside Link? [2]
  ! Don't add any extra points if your character started in this role.

+ Does the story end with the character's wedding? [4]

+ Do you plan to write many more stories revolving around this character? [2]

+ Do you plan to write one or more stories featuring this character's child(ren)? [2]

- - - - - - -


[ SECTION 6 - You and Your Character ]

+ Would you like to be friends with the character if you met in real life? [1]

+ Do you think everyone who reads the story should automatically like the character and want to be friends with the character? [1]

+ If someone tells you he/she doesn't like your character, do you take it as a personal attack on you? [1]

+ Do you ever pretend, just to yourself, that you are the character, with the same strengths and abilities? [1]

+ If someone calls your character a Mary Sue, do you immediately assume they're jealous of you? [3]
  + Because they're not getting laid, and you are? [4]
    + And you honestly think that having your character score with Link/Ganondorf/whoever counts as "getting laid"? [6]

- - - - - - -


[ SCORING ]
! Not finished yet!! These numbers are from the original version of the test. Please make suggestions for adjustments, based on your results!

Possible Points:

0-10 points: The Anti-Sue. Your character is the very antithesis of a Mary-Sue - actually, they could probably use a little more attention or a bigger role in the plot. A lack of background makes her a non-Sue, but possibly also a non-event.

11-20 points: The Non-Sue. Your character is well-developed, and has some interesting traits and uniqueness to her without being a Mary-Sue. Congratulations!

21-35 points: Borderline-Sue. Your character is cutting it close, make no mistake. Main characters can be fine at this level if the story is high-fantasy, saving-the-world, romantic sort of stuff. Just but be careful not to go too far, and you should be fine. Good work!

36-55 points: Mary-Sue. Your character needs some work in order to be believable. But despair not; you should still be able to salvage her with a little effort. Don't give up.

56-70 points: Über-Sue. You've got one hell of a Mary-Sue on your hands here, and it's not going to be easy to set things right. But do your best. There may be hope for you yet.

71 point or more: Irredeemable-Sue. You're going to have to start over, my friend. I know you want to keep writing, but no. Just no.
Somethinmg I've been working on for the , just for kicks ^^ I need testers, so please lemme know what you think I need to add/subtract/adjust/tweak/change/fix/molest/whatever.

Disclaimer: This is not about your or your character. It's a general observation. Please don't take it personally! ^^; If you're overly sensitive about your characters, read/take at your own risk.
© 2007 - 2024 foxlee
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ScottRansom21's avatar

Took the test with an old character I used to use for Role Plays ages ago. She ended up scoring an 11.

The thing is, it may be lower due to what she is and how certain factors may be ruled.


The character is a female Deku Scrub that looks like a Deku Scrub female should (Think the Princess of them from Majora's Mask), but what makes her a 'created' being is that her group of Deku Scrubs (An alliance of more militant Deku Scrubs deep in/beyond the forests of Hyrule that have three forts of their own making to their name. They became this way to defend each other from Monster attacks.) essentially tried cross-pollination of Deku Scrubs and various plants, one of which is the Deku Babba. Her result? The hair extension is more of a thick vine, covered with leaves, with a Deku Babba mouth at the end. This does mean she can 'eat' to gain nutrients, but tends to just photosynthesize like most plants normally.


Abilities tend to consist of: Hard Seed Spit (This is canonical with Deku Scrubs), and Deku Seed Spitting (A drop from Deku Babba, spits out of the mouth on the end of her tendril hair). She is also capable of flight by rotating the leaves that normally remain as a ring around the Deku Babba head (Flight by Deku Scrubs was shown in Majora's mask, mind you only by the Merchant Deku Scrubs who had large leaves atop their heads).


Love was hard to answer due to them having no real attachments to anyone, and with no real idea of courtship rituals of Deku I kind of chalked it up to a Demisexual approach (An attraction to personality as opposed to physical traits) due to the lack of features that could be discerned as 'attractive' that I could see. For all I know, foliage amount could make them interested in one another or they could have no real concept of sexual attraction. With it being an old RP character, this was unlikely to be a factor due to the sole reason that romance in an RP is usually discussed when we see it budding and see if we think the love makes sense to bloom or die. Story and Plot is a wash due to there not being one until a RP starts, and my character and I likely wouldn't get along as friends, but wouldn't hate each other either.


Perhaps an edit to this observational test:

+ Can the character fly? [2]

+ Without the aid of wings? [2]

- Is the character a rito, or other previously-established flight-capable race? [-2]


Because I don't know about helicopter flight with Deku Scrubs is a possible thing to consider 'natural' or not, especially since we technically have multiple Merchant Scrubs who can fly. Plus, I do not think that flight alone should be a penalty, unless it is a new flying race or without the aid of wings. After all: A flying Rito makes sense.