Stereotypical Characters

The Mary Sue

Mary Sue characters are typically the main character. They have no major flaws and, even when they have a tragic past, it doesn’t seem to hinder them in any way. I have heard many people say that these characters are a wish fulfillment meant to embody everything the writer wishes they could be. Others say that Mary Sue’s are created from a lack of thought and detail put into the character. Either way, if your character falls into this category, you can fix them up with a little character development and an interesting backstory.

The Blonde

This character is usually the foe of the main female character. She is sometimes beautiful, but never more beautiful than the main character. Her mean face is always on, even when it doesn’t need to be. Despite her rude and nasty behavior, she still manages to fit in with the main character’s group, if only for a while. Typically, the blonde will try to steal the main character’s love interest, but to no avail. If you have a blonde in your story, think about adding some other characteristics to make her more rounded, or give her a good, realistic reason to be mean.

The Bully

The bully comes in many forms and is usually seen failing classes and banging heads against lockers. The bully is large and in charge. People cower in fear in front of the bully and avoid conflict with them at all costs. The bully usually isn’t very good looking, which could be a possible reason they act out. The bully is nearly always dumb and, when someone outsmarts them, they are left with a look of confusion. If you have a stereotypical bully in your story, give them more depth. Give them a deep seeded reason they bully others. Don’t make them extremely huge or make them at least a little good looking.

The Jock

The jock, like the bully, is usually very dumb. The jock is extremely good at sports, hence the name, and catches every pass, makes every goal, and scores every basket. He can do no wrong on the court, field, or rink. The jock is always good looking and can get any girl he wants. He sleeps around, and although everyone knows it, he still gets away with it. The jock is a huge partier and drinks enormous amounts of alcohol. If you have a jock in your story, give him more dimensions. In High School Musical, Troy Bolton was good at basketball, but loved to sing. Same goes for Finn in Glee. Give your jock something he’s passionate about other than sports. Make him smart and on the scholar bowl, or a member of a group that is against alcohol consumption.

There are many different stereotypes that occur in stories, but luckily there are also many ways to take a stereotypical character and turn them into someone more original.