An effective sympathetic character that's not a Sympathetic Sue

In my story I have a minor character that I'm working on. She is Anamaria Toyaka TheRival's younger sister. The two of them are a Sibling Team.

Her mother was never particularly close to her favoring her older brother. Her father gave her stuff and seemed to almost start getting on the way to being close to her, but he became an alcoholic and now only give sher money when she's upset. Her mother blames her for what's gone wrong with their family and often gives her 'Why Couldn't You Be Different?' lectures. Her mother also criticizes her for being 'fat' and 'stupid'.

She has flaws. She tends to hide her feelings behind a smile and 'serves' her family members like 'a good girl should' because her parents don't believe in psychiatrists. She has low confidence and has trouble standing up for herself. She has a bit of problems with comfort eating but uses bulimic measures to stay thin.

She honestly meant to be a sympathetic Stepford Smiler. Any tips on characterization?

edited 24th Dec '10 2:08:31 PM by JewelyJ

Maybe give her a flaw that isn't sympathetic? Not a big one, but something little, like letting something bad happen to her brother out of jelousy.

EDIT: Whoops, misread the siblin's gender.

edited 24th Dec '10 3:04:04 PM by RTaco

Her characterisation seems pretty good, so I wouldn't worry too much. There's no point. Any character who's supposed to be remotely sympathetic will be called a Sue by at least someone, but don't try too hard to make them flawed or nobody will want to read about them anyway. Just don't make her the centre of attention all the time, that's the most important thing.

She's ummm... a bit of an Extreme Doormat right? Maybe have her struggle to grow out of that throughout the story? It'll be satisfying to see her overcome some of her issues.

Edit: Yeah the Green-Eyed Monster thing sounds good, it'd make sense for an insecure person to get jealous easily.

edited 24th Dec '10 2:44:16 PM by Xandriel

She used to get him in trouble with his drunkard father when they were young. But they're close now and she feels bad about it.

Later she makes a wrong decision that is more foolish then spiteful.

Yeah. She has a hard time standing up to people and has to learn how to. She's also devoted to her brother. Because later on he becomes one of the few people to show kindness to her.

edited 24th Dec '10 5:44:48 PM by JewelyJ

Well if she messes up, that's already a de-Sueifier. She's not one of those characters who can do no wrong.

Yes, the variety of flaws and the dynamic of the family seems to create something sufficient for creating sympathy without driving it into Sue territory. Solid overall.