The Goddess: This is a character that can do no wrong. All the men may get drunk, swear, fart, fight each other instead of the enemy and do silly, mean or selfish things, but this lady is always right. Says the right thing, does the right thing and has everyone agreeing with her actions even when the reader may be wanting her to:
A: shut-up
B: Go away or
C: try to burp(or for serious brownie points fart) the national anthem.
GCG(If you can think of a better name please do): This character is strong. She can ride dragons, travel in time and stop alien invasions with the power of her mind. She is confident(sometimes arrogant), self-reliant and innovative. Despite this her story never seems to be complete until she has:
A: Found true love and
B: Put said lover into a position of authority over her. Every time I read this it just floors me. WHY?
The Ring-In: Before describing this character (if I need to), I must digress for a mo. I have no problem with books with no girls in them(or in non important roles). They are basically Boys-Own adventures and have their place. I also read Girls-Owns as well even if I do skip a few paragraphs if I feel a group hug is coming up(Does anyone know where I can get a copy of "The Upper-Fifth Take Command"?. I have been wanting to re-read it for years but my grandmother' s copy disappeared) .
The Ring-In is the female who becomes a(or even worse THE) main character in a series of books that has up till then a Boys-Own adventure. Imagine Nancy Drew guest starring in a Hardy Boys adventure and showing them up as complete dills who can't even tie a reef knot without getting it wrong. If you want to write about Nancy Drew, do it, but for the love of God don't sully the rep of the Brothers Hardy in the process
*I named the Goddess before I heard of the net lingo term Mary Sue. From my reading of Wikipedia this term may also suit.
