As there are no restrictions on magic types in Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, a Sorcerer can use any spell (with the proper weapon level and no special conditions), while Druids in other games can usually only use Dark Magic. In Shadow Dragon, it is stated that a Sorcerer uses dark tomes; however, they simply use ordinary magic.
Sorcerers are generally slower, but more defensive than Sages; Sages have one more baseMagic than Sorcerers, while Sorcerers have one more base Defense and Resistance, making them weaker, yet more durable than sages. They are also capable of using staves prior to Awakening, which makes them a useful class.