The Les Miserables Mary Sue Litmus Test
By Laurel

(Based on the original Litmus Test by Melissa Wilson)

We have all met her. Whether she is the shy, raven-haired waitress who gets Grantaire to stop drinking, or the buxom, emerald eyed grisette who arouses the passions of the untouchable Enjolras, Mary Sue (or should I say Marie Suzette) is as much a part of the Les Miserables fandom as she is of any other. This is not a good thing.

Before I go any farther, I’d like to point out that not every original character is a Mary Sue by default. Nor is she original, necessarily (time and time again have I seen Eponine fall into this trap and become Eppie Sue), nor is the phenomenon limited to the female race, although you have to look a lot harder to find a Marty Stu (Martin Stuart). However, for every refreshing and loveable rendition, there’s a dozen that are insipid, annoying and forced down the readers’ throats. The goal of this test is to try and help you determine whether your beloved character is about to stray into no-no zone, and try to keep that dire event from occurring.

Every question that you answer affirmatively is worth one point, including sub-questions, unless otherwise specified. Good luck, and on with the test:

SECTION ONE: What’s in a Name?

Is the character named after you? (That includes your middle name, and any of your nicknames or aliases, as well. This is a major tip off, so it’s worth two points. If the answer is yes, and you are definitely not French, and the character is, add two more points, and get thyself a reliable baby name resource.)

Does the character have your favorite name, and, or a name you wish you had yourself? (Once again, here your alias could apply.)

Does the character have more names than is healthy? Ex: Rosalie Laurel Azelma Margueritte Somethingorother. (Add another point if the story is not a parody.)

Does your character have a nickname or pseudonym?

SECTION TWO: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Is the character the same gender as you? (This is only worth half a point, since it can really only go one way or the other.)

Is the character of the same racial background as you?

Is the character a teenager, or in his/her early 20s?

Does the character look like they are in their late teens or early 20s despite being considerably older or younger?

Is there a reason for this?
Do you consider the reason a valid plot point?

Is the character at the age you would consider ideal?

Is the character very beautiful or handsome?

Are one or more of the regulars attracted to this character?

Even if they are involved with someone else?

Is the regular in question Enjolras, Javert, or another "unattainable"? (This one’s a doozy; add two points.)

Does the character have an unusual eye color? (How may people do you know that have violet or amber eyes? Without the aid of contacts? Remember: contacts would not be around in 19th century France.)

Will the aforementioned eye color have importance to the plot?

SECTION THREE: The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Tree

Is the character somehow related to one of the regular characters?

Is the character a regular’s sibling?
Is the character a regular’s long-lost sibling?
Is the character a regular’s ex?

Does the character have a clone or identical twin?

Is this going to be valid in your story’s plot?

SECTION FOUR: Singing the Praises

Does the character have an amazing singing voice? (Combined with other symptoms, this is one of the most common signs of a Mary Sue)

Does the character play a musical instrument?

Write poetry to rival Jehan’s?

Does the character hold your dream job?

Does the character work at the Musain, the Corinth, or any other location vital to the plot of Les Miserables?

Does the character share any or all of your hobbies?

Is the character better at those hobbies than you?
Does the character excel in a field you wish you were good in?

SECTION FIVE: Too Good to Be True

Is the character constantly irreverent and radical?

With no repercussions?

Is the character liked and admired by all the regular characters? (Come on, this is more unlikely that winning the lottery right after being hit by lightning while in a plane crash. At the very least, Thénardier should dislike your character. Give this one three points.)

Does the character have special abilities, such as telekinesis, healing powers, hearing others’ thoughts, or precognitive visions? (Add a point for each quality that applies, and note that Les Miserables does not have a fantasy or mystical setting, so "powers" should be used sparingly, if ever.)

SECTION SIX: Love and Death

Does the character fall in love, and, or have sex with one of the regular characters?

Is this regular character one you’d like to fall in love and, or, have sex with? (Aw, come on, admit it.)

Does the story end with the character’s wedding?

Is this wedding attended by all of Paris?

Is the character’s love interest spared a tragic death just so the two can live happily ever after?

If one of them dies, does the other die as well?

Of grief and carelessness?

Of depression?

Does he or she commit suicide?

Does the character die in his or her beloved’s arms? (This happens so frequently, it should be worth three points.)

Does the character sacrifice his or her life for love? (The last two do not apply to Eponine, since this actually happened in the book.)

SECTION SEVEN: Mary Sue and You

Is the character someone you would have liked to be friends with?

Do you think of the character as a role model or as someone to imitate?

Do you take any negative feedback about this character as a personal affront? (Be honest here, are you starting to feel like the character is an extension of yourself? If so, stop right there and reconsider. Two points.)

Do you sometimes pretend that you and your character are one and the same?

END OF TEST

Scoring:

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