Well, I think I'm required by law to do these things. And since I've been focusing on getting funding for a Johnny Briz web comic for some time now, I feel that it's only fair if Johnny himself gets the treatment. This text is one of the more popular ones in circulation here on DA. Before I do some ground rules first: Note 1: This contain some parts that would be spoilers, I'll hide most of it. Note 2: If I'm iffy on something, but I have a good worked-out explanation for this, I'll give myself half a point. That way I can be more honest about things. Note 3: I'm comparing Johnny to the Human world, not to his original species. Note 4: Some D&D ability references are invoked here, mostly because I play it a lot. I usually don't go below a 10 on these scores unless it's for flavor) [ ] They are possessed by an angel [ ] They are possessed by a demon [ ] They are a werewolf/vampire/faerie [Half Point] They are physically strong (Depends on what Strength Score you consider 'Strong' as. Johnny's about a 9 only because of his size, but he can bench press twice his weight because of his exercise regimen.) [ ] They have a rare hair/fur color [Half Point] Their eyes are an unusual color (Green might be unusual for Mice, but not to humans Note 3 invoked.) [ ] This happens to be red [ ] Their eyes change colour [ ] They have wings [ ] They can grow extra body parts/shapeshift [ ] They are immortal (There's a reason why Johnny's a Buddhist!) [ ] (if a female) they have large bra size [Half Point] (if a male) they are very muscular (He doesn't look it; his fur hides his muscle tone.) [ ] They are very attractive to the opposite gender (Depends on the girl in question.) [ ] They can grow extra body parts/shapeshift [ ] They are telekinetic/pyrokinetic/etc [ ] They have sixth sense/can mind-read/etc [X] They have an object of some sort that gives them powers (Late in the story, Johnny Beta tests various inventions, which he uses later on to emulate powers. They're Chekhov's Guns. ) Note 5: The object that made him Toon Sized doesn't count; it was accidentally used on him from someone else) [ ] They have a special ability/power, but they don't know about it yet [ ] They were bestowed/cursed with these powers [ ] They are a healer [ ] They are from a very rich/royal family [ ] They don't know that they are from a very rich/royal background [ ] They have lost one/both of their parents (Johnny doesn't mention them; he might in a side story.) [ ] They ran away from home (He ran to investigate a danger to his village. He just can't go back.) [ ] Their parents (if still alive) are cruel, uncaring, abusive etc. (They'd probably be tickled pink about what's become of their son.) [ ] They witnessed one/both of their parent's death (Again, not mentioned yet.) [ ] They are part angel/demon/faerie/some other mythical creature [ ] They never knew their parents [ ] They were abused/spoiled as a child [X] They have lots of friends/no friends [X] They are emo/cutesy [ ] They look much younger/older than they really are [X] They are currently in a relationship (Amber counts, although they don't 'Mate.') [Half Point] They have lots if morals and state them a fair bit for example...It's fine if your OC has these beliefs/values, but if they constantly say them out loud/preach them to others, then we have a problem. (He'll talk about his Buddhism if asked and even wisecrack about them--JB: (Before someone eats it on Youtube) "To any person, for any reason, at any time, he will experience ...suffering"--he doesn't do it all the time.) [ ] They have a mental disorder [ ] They have an emotional disorder [ ] They struggle to stay sane (JB: (usually in expatiation) "You Humans Are Crazy!") [ ] They are a psycho [ ] They have multiple personalities [Half Point] They are very intelligent (Do you mean 'Being Smart,' Wisdom, or 'Knowing Things,' Intelligence? Gary Gyrax split the two for a reason. Johnny has more Wisdom than Intelligence.) [ ] They have hallucinations [ ] They can summon spirits/demons/angels etc. [ ] They have an unusual/unrealistic pet (He is an unusual pet.) [ ] They have a guardian spirit [ ] They have a 'special type' of soul [ ] Their soul is not the same as them [ ] They can talk to spirits/ghosts [ ] Some part of their body glows [ ] They have a rare/unusual name (Reference aside, Johnny Briz sounds quite normal, don't you think?) [ ] They were born on an important date, such as New Year's Eve, Midsummers Night, The Winter Solstace etc. [ ] They have a twin/sibling that they were separated from at birth [ ] They are connected with a certain element [X] They are connected with a certain animal (He is a Mouse.) [X] They always dress like a certain 'label' (And he dresses like a Toon.) [Half Point] They look quite a bit like a character from a popular anime/manga (That's Japanese, right? So no, Don Bluth doesn't count...alright alright, I'll put up a Half Point! Be more general next time!.) [ ] They are a race/species that is discriminated against/misunderstood [ ] They have a certain power that is misunderstood/feared [ ] They live/lived on the streets at some point in their lives [ ] They are hiding from someone/something [ ] They have a rare blood type [ ] They cry blood [ ] Certain noises/smells/situations/etc make their powers activate/give them a nervous breakdown [ ] They are from a different country to where they live [ ] They are very mysterious/dark (She's dark as in fucking insane.) [X] They are very lively/happy [ ] Their mood changes a lot/very quickly [X] They are very patient [ ] They are from a long line of (insert profession/power here) [ ] They have a piece of jewelry/clothing that they always wear [ ] They have amnesia [ ] They have some sort of permanent medical condition [ ] The have a curse upon them [ ] They are involved in some sort of prophecy [ ] They are 'the chosen one' [ ] They have insomnia 11 Points. Well within the Balanced Character range. Nice to know I've improved in this area. Of course, it would've been Borderline if I didn't allow myself to 'weasel' but it's a compromise for being honest. Point Reductions Take points off your OCs overall score if they fit any of the following statements: [ ] They smoke [ ] They are an alcoholic [ ] They are overweight [ ] They are addicted to drugs [ ] They have a short temper [ ] They enjoy bullying others [ ] They do not care much about others [ ] They are emotionless I have to add one [X] They have any form of disability not mentioned up to here. (He qualifies as a Little Person. He's almost like Brad Williams in a fursuit.) -- Now, you should have an overall score for your OC. <5 -Anti-Sue Your character may be a bit on the boring side. Of course, this does depend, but generally if they are scoring that low, it wouldn't hurt to 'spice them up' a bit ^^ 6-15 -Balanced Character <-- Johnny scores a 10. If your OC scored around here, then they are probably quite a well-balanced and interesting character. Those scoring in the higher end of this category may be a bit too much though. 16-25 -Borderline Mary-Sue We have a problem. You need to tone your character down. They are most likely a bit annoying to others, too. 26< -Mary-Sue Oh dear. Do I really need to comment on this? Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License Most people don't explain why some people make Mary Sue characters, but I'm obligated by law to do so. I think it's the same dynamic behind why people with little d**ks buy Tricked Out sports cars; they are Overcompensating. The writer no doubt has a life that flat out sucks, either real or imagined, and as an outlet they write a story about what they're life would be if they were more 'normal' in their eyes. Unfortunately for the character, the writer doesn't always have a firm grasp on what 'a normal life' is and often goes off into the other extreme. Hey, it's either that, or he or she offs him or herself. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, I can cope with whole forests lost on Mary Sue books. Just plant a couple saplings if that can level out your Karma, okay?