User blog:Slapson/Things You Shouldn't Do When Making Characters

This is a list. It's pretty good. Don't do these things.

The List

 * Making a character around the tiering system.
 * Making a character which isn't really a character but a long list of powers and a label.
 * Making bad self-inserts for the purpose of wish fulfillment/fetish fuel.
 * Giving a character a long list of powers for the sake of having a long list of powers, even if said powers have absolutely no use, at all, in the story.
 * Mary Sues.
 * This is actually a very broad concept but the basic idea of what a "Mary Sue" can be defined as tends to consist of these basic traits:
 * The character in question is perfect, in every way. They are talented in practically every aspect and there is no obstacle they can't effortlessly overcome. Other characters in the story will acknowledge this, even the antagonists.
 * No personality. If there is a personality, it's that they're always right and the villains are always wrong.
 * Edgy backstory. And yes, there is a fine line between edgy and tragic.