Mary-Sues, or super-powered OCs, What do we think of 'em?

[Dirty Harry]

Okay, I wanted to know; what do you think if I put Link and Zellie into a Gundam Seed Universe as cameo characters that also have a side-plot? Do they become Mary-Sues? Or not? 'Cause I don't want to blow the whole story off just to put them in. Tell us what ya think.

[CrazygurlMadness]

They don't become Mary-Sues if they don't steal the spotlight. If they're not absolutely essential, then I suggest you put them in an AU fic, apart from the story you were thinking of including them in.

But it depends on the context.

[Dirty Harry]

Hmm...it's not AU, it's just that I had a part that they could fill, even though they ain't essential, but serve as just something to appetise those people that get annoyed that I don't right enough of LxZ.

Though, they would near be super-powered...that's bad, isn't it. It's hard to say they're Mary-Sues, because Mary-Sues are like your own, specially designed character that you put in yourself, just to have the fun of watching the real characters get outdone by this Mary-Sue. Whereas is this could be a cameo appearance by Link and Zel.

[CrazygurlMadness]

Well, if they appear in the final chapter, for example, without real need, then they're overpowering. I guess that's how I'd determine it.

[Dirty Harry]

Hmm...like, if someone puts them in a subplot, related to the overall movement of the story. Because like, if there isn't this character role there, then the plot doesn't work out...

[CrazygurlMadness]

Well, then, keep them. What can I say? If you're worried that they'll take over, then cut some of their parts to a strict minimum. Otherwise, keep them.

Then again, I hardly see why you'd want to absolutely put their romance in. Why not make another written piece about them instead, and replace their role with characters that won't be too space-hungry? Often when authors love their minor characters too much, they write more about them than should be.

I maintain that it would be a better idea to write about Link and Zelda in another story and keep this one you're writing clear. It's your right to write about what you want. Still, if readers complain you're not making enough Zelink and you want to please them, then give them a side-piece. You don't have to include them in your current story just to cut corners.

Well. That's how I view it, at any rate. I always had a pretty personal idea of how things should be done. Ultimately, you ought to do whatever feels the most sensible.

[Dirty Harry]

Thanks for the info! I'll use it when I write the fic...which looks like it might be along way away. People can now not worry about this topic!