If the point is making all the characters respect/fear/envy her and generally prove that she is in every way superior to the other characters, then yes. If the point is to show how the other characters still manage to triumph because of their ingenuity/solidarity/whatever, then no. My point is that a Mary Sue is best identified by the psychological need it fills in the author. All of the outside indicators come as a result of that impulse. But whatever the outside, the rotten core will come across.
The article I linked to above has an interesting comparison of 19th century Mary Sues which are usually passive, adored just for being special, and 20th century Mary Sues which are usually active. A villainess Mary Sue would be typical of 20th century. And there are definitely villain Mary Sues - just flip through fanfiction.net for a while and you'll find them. Though I don't recommend that if you value your sanity.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-05-04 02:31 pm (UTC)The article I linked to above has an interesting comparison of 19th century Mary Sues which are usually passive, adored just for being special, and 20th century Mary Sues which are usually active. A villainess Mary Sue would be typical of 20th century. And there are definitely villain Mary Sues - just flip through fanfiction.net for a while and you'll find them. Though I don't recommend that if you value your sanity.