Mary Sue

American  

[mer-ee soo, mair-ee] / ˈmɛr i ˈsu, ˈmɛər i /

noun

1. a fictional character, especially a female character, who is considered to be unrealistically competent, attractive, and lacking in flaws, and is sometimes thought to be an idealized representation of the author.

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Etymology

Origin of Mary Sue

First recorded in 1975–80; after the main character in a Star Trek fan fiction parody story

Example Sentences

Mary Sue Coleman, past president of the Association of American Universities, notes, “Administrators must balance salaries and benefits across the employee spectrum, not simply for one group.”

From Science Magazine • Nov. 3, 2023

In an essay at the Mary Sue, Julia Glassman issues a warning:

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2022

Mary Sue Coleman, the interim president at the University of Michigan, said not to “take the rumblings seriously about me and the N.C.A.A.”

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2022

He was succeeded in the position on an interim basis by Mary Sue Coleman.

From Washington Post • Jan. 19, 2022

“It appears there has been a lackluster response to the water emergency,” said Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer, who thinks restricting water flow could provide the wakeup call some people need.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 18, 2022