Shadow, a 'Mary Sue' is a character who is more perfect than perfect. Imagine (and try not to shudder when you do so) a (usually female) character who:
1)is more beautiful than any of the other characters
2)has the most perfect personality
3)attracts the attention of all the male characters; they fall over themselves, competing for her attention
4)resolves the plot, saves the day etc etc etc, making all the other characters look flat-footed and useless in the process.
I believe the male equivalent is Gary Stu. Can someone confirm that?
Thankfully, there is very little Mary Sue-ism in LnC fanfic, but it is very common elsewhere. For more information, you might want to go
here .
Chris
