Thoughts on Mavuika as a "Mary Sue"

I like Mavuika, but as she's written right now, she feels too perfect, which is why I’ve referred to her as a Mary Sue. Apologies if I’m using that term too freely, but I truly believe her story would be much richer if the writers double or tripled down into what I see as her core flaw: her unwavering loyalty to save Natlan from the Abyss.

Mavuika could be so much more compelling if, for instance, they showed her stubbornness in sticking to her 500-year plan, even when it means sacrificing lives. Imagine her saying, "I don’t care if this war against the Abyss costs lives—this will save Natlan," only to be forced to confront and reflect on the devastating consequences of her decisions. Like how a general has to deal with the PTSD of being accountable of sending their soldiers and former comrades to war and their death for a super risky plan that could likely fail (see this picture of Erwin Smith from Attack on Titan and now visualize Mavuika being on top of the dead bodies of her former comrades like Tupac and other Natlan heroes who died for the plan). Also, like mentioned in her backstory, they could really explore more (Yes, I know it was implied in her character teaser and animated short but for me it felt lacking) on how she buried her longing for her family and the life she once had, all in service of this long-term plan like the scenes where Furina was pretending to be the hydro archon but deep inside she felt so lonely and was losing a part of herself before she started her huge act.

This would not only add complexity to Mavuika, but it would also show how her idealism and loyalty to her nation, as admirable as they are, can sometimes blind her to the very human cost of leadership. It would make her more relatable—showing that even those who appear perfect, with all their strength and resolve, can still be vulnerable, caught between their duty and their heart. It would make her a character you root for, not just because she’s strong as the pyro archon, but because she’s human (as emphasized all throughout the AQs and her story quest), and her struggles are ones we can understand.

Here's hoping her characterization improves as the story progresses!

P.S. Appreciate reading all the comments about this. Hope Hoyo can learn from their shortcomings and improve on the good areas with Mavuika and even the entire Natlan AQ as a whole.