Diversity in Fanfiction
Queering the Narrative
Self-insert characters are a hallmark of fanfiction -- self-inserts are original characters in fanfiction that clearly represent the author. Self-insert characters exist as a way for the author to interact directly with their favorite texts, and often appear in the form of a "Mary Sue," a character without flaws who is beloved by the canonical cast. The term originates from a 1973 Star Trek fanfiction, "A Trekkie's Tale," which parodied the self-insert, overpowered, beloved-by-all (except the readers) female characters in Star Trek fanfic of the time. Self-insert characters, especially Mary Sues, are both widespread in fanfiction and frowned on by more serious readers.
Mary Sues and self-inserts play an important role for a young girl writing fanfiction; she literally creates a representation of herself in her favorite media. Through self-insert characters, young female authors identify who they are and who they want to be -- well-liked, intelligent, capable. The Mary Sue provides a space for the female fanfiction author to craft her identity.
