The concept of the Mary Sue character has been a controversial topic in literature and media for years. The term originally came from fan fiction and referred to an idealized and perfect self-insert character. In recent times, the term has been expanded to describe any character, regardless of gender, who is seemingly flawless and overpowered, with little explanation for their abilities or backstory.

One of the main criticisms of Mary Sue characters is that they do not go through the hero’s journey, a classic storytelling structure where the protagonist faces challenges and obstacles that help them grow and develop into a hero. Instead, Mary Sue characters start at the end of their journey, already possessing all the skills and abilities necessary to defeat any foe effortlessly.

This lack of character development and growth makes it difficult for readers or viewers to connect with Mary Sue characters on a deeper level. Without knowing their backstory or understanding their motivations, it’s hard to empathize or root for them. Furthermore, the lack of a hero’s journey deprives the audience of the satisfaction of watching a character overcome obstacles and grow into a hero.

One example of a Mary Sue character is Rey from the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Rey is introduced as a scavenger on the desert planet of Jakku, with no apparent training or experience in combat or the Force. Yet, she is able to defeat Kylo Ren, a trained Sith apprentice, in a lightsaber duel. This victory is not only unrealistic, but it also robs Rey of the opportunity to develop her skills and undergo a hero’s journey.

In contrast, Galadriel from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is an example of a well-developed character who undergoes a hero’s journey. Galadriel is a powerful elf queen who possesses great wisdom and magic, but she also has a tragic backstory and a desire to use her power for good. When faced with the troll in the Mines of Moria, Galadriel initially holds back, allowing her companions to fight. However, when the situation becomes dire, she joins the battle and uses her power to defeat the troll. This victory is hard-won and comes at a cost, as many of her friends are killed in the process. Galadriel’s journey is one of growth and self-discovery, making her a much more compelling character than a Mary Sue.

ACTION MOVIES

Over the years, there have been many attempts to create successful female-led action movie franchises. Unfortunately, many of these attempts have failed, leading to the assumption that audiences are not interested in seeing women in lead roles in action movies. However, the real reason why so many female-led action movie franchises fail is that the character is just a male character with a new coat of paint and some kind of politically correct gloss to it. This approach does not create a compelling character that appeals to both male and female audiences.

One of the biggest issues with many female-led action movies is that the lead character is often written and portrayed as a carbon copy of a male action hero. This means that the character has the same traits and qualities that male heroes have, such as physical strength, aggression, and a willingness to use violence to achieve their goals. While it’s important for female characters to be strong and capable, simply copying male hero tropes does not create a unique or interesting character. It also reinforces the idea that the only way for a woman to be successful in an action movie is to act like a man.

Another problem with many female-led action movies is the tendency to add some kind of politically correct gloss to the character or storyline. This can manifest in various ways, such as making the character a feminist icon or including themes of diversity and inclusivity. While these are all important issues, simply adding them to a movie does not guarantee its success. In fact, it can often feel forced and preachy, turning off both male and female audiences.

One of the biggest problems with this approach is that it assumes that male audiences are not interested in seeing a female lead in an action movie unless she is a perfect feminist icon. This is simply not true. Male audiences are just as capable of appreciating a well-written and well-acted female lead as female audiences are. However, when the character is just a poorly disguised male hero, there is no need for male audiences to watch. They can simply watch a male-led action movie that does the same thing, only better.

Ellen Ripley, the iconic heroine of the Alien franchise, is a character that stands out in the world of action movies. Unlike many other action heroes of the time, Ripley was a relatable and unforced character. She was a single mom doing a tough job, trying to deal with incompetent and arrogant people, and surviving out of sheer persistence. Ripley was a character that anyone in the late 70s could recognize, and that is precisely what makes her such a timeless and powerful figure.

Ripley’s strength and resilience are not derived from any kind of special powers or abilities. Instead, she is a character who uses her wits, resourcefulness, and determination to overcome the challenges she faces. As the lone survivor of the Nostromo, she shows incredible courage and resourcefulness in defeating the titular Alien, a perfect killing machine. She is not a character who relies on brute force or overwhelming firepower, but rather on her intelligence and ingenuity.

One of the most significant aspects of Ripley’s character is her relatability. She is a single mom who lives with her cat as her only companion, trying to do her job in a hostile and dangerous environment. Her struggles with the incompetent and arrogant people around her are something that many people can identify with, whether they work on an oil platform or in any other traditionally male profession. Ripley’s character shows that it is possible for anyone to be strong and resilient, regardless of their gender, age, or background.

Another essential aspect of Ripley’s character is her toughness. She is not a character who shies away from danger or avoids difficult situations. Instead, she faces them head-on, using her intelligence and resourcefulness to overcome them. Her determination to survive and protect others is what makes her such a compelling and inspiring character. Her strength and resilience are not just physical, but also mental and emotional. She is a character who is not afraid to show vulnerability, but who also never gives up, no matter how dire the situation.

In many ways, Ripley’s character is ahead of its time. She is a strong and capable woman who is not defined by her gender or stereotypes. She is a character who can be an inspiration to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background. Ripley’s character shows that it is possible to be a hero without conforming to traditional gender roles or expectations.

In conclusion, Ellen Ripley is an iconic action movie heroine who stands out for her relatability, toughness, and resilience. She is a character that anyone in the late 70s could recognize, and that is precisely what makes her such a timeless and powerful figure. Her strength and resilience are not derived from any kind of special powers or abilities, but from her intelligence, resourcefulness, and determination. Ripley is a character who can be an inspiration to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background. She is a hero for our time and for all time.