Literature
The Mary Sue Litmus Test
Holepunch's Mary Sue Litmus Test:
Ah, the Mary Sue. We can't cobble together a truly comprehensive description of what they are, exactly, but we can agree on one thing: an annoying, 'perfect' character who, through a general lack of flaws and character development, is excruciating to sit through and often makes us gnash our teeth, tear our hair, and reach for the back button. This nefarious creature can be measured and detected, so let's all grab our magnifying glasses and get classifying.
This is a subjective subject; a trait that drives one person right up the wall might fail to get any reaction from another. As you go through the list, c