Samantha Carter: Mary Sue or Role Model?

[campylobacter]

In the same mimetic vein as the entry posted by fanfic author & friend lolmac Looking for Daniel in all the right places wherein she asks for advice from "ardent Jacksonians" about how to write Daniel, and what's good or bad in the way he's depicted in canon & in fanfic, I'm asking the Samantha-stans, Carter-istas, Sam-fanatics & Stargate fans on my F-List (anons, too!):

How do you write Sam Carter in character?

I've been STUCK on TWO fan fiction stories in which I can't resist writing from this amazing military astrophysicist's PoV, but am having major anxiety that I might get her wrong.

1. What is it about Sam that you love?
2. What makes you squee?
3. What do you most love to see her do?
4. What are the elements of a Sam story that you love the most?
5. What do you really like seeing her do in fic? On the show? Both?
6. What is the most epic of Sam WIN?
7. What annoys and pisses you off when you see it in fan fiction?
8. What are the stupid/shallow/careless misinterpretations of Sam that must be avoided?
9. What qualifies as Sam!Fail?
10. Any other pointers, tips, criticisms, & pet peeves also welcome!

RELATED: Meta: The Evolution of Samantha Carter (or Why I Love Sam) by rachel500
http://rachel500.livejournal.com/165064.html

Comments

Re: Sam Carter: Talk nerdy to me!

[madders-ahatter.livejournal.com]

My head-canon for Sam's medical expertise is that following early episode - erm mission - whumpage, and Daniel having to play midwife, Jack ordered Sam to take some training courses so that they'd have a 'mini-medic' on team. Being the super-bright scholar that she is, Sam wouldn't be content with superficial knowledge. She'd bone up on each topic until she felt confident she had it sewn up [puns fully intended]