The world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a world in which good and evil are not as simple as black and white, yet they exist and take on various and distinct manifestations. The show is based on a manifestation of good and its battle against the manifestations of evil.
These manifestations of evil are demons, which come in many forms, the most common being the vampire. Goodness is manifested as the Slayer, a chosen female born every generation (therefore in constant existence in our world) whose duty is to combat the forces of evil.
It is important to understand how good and evil relate in this world. First, they are not reciprocals, nor are they equal. The manifested forms of evil are exactly that, right down to the flesh. The primary manifestation of good, the Slayer, exists as a force within a single human being, a human being being neither good nor evil in and of itself, yet prone to either force. Yet while they are prone to either good or evil, the human soul is always related with good, yet there is no internal inborn force of evil; evil seems to be a constant external force on humans, yet humans can still be evil by nature. A conplete turn to evil is characterized by the loss of the soul, yet there seems to be no characteristic or even any such thing as a complete turn to good. The supply of demons seems endless and continuous, yet in theory ony a single Slayer can exist in the physical world at a time. While demons carry a varying degree of power and abilities, the Slayers' seem to remain constant. The demons also originate in Hell, a dimension outside of our physical world. Good apears to have no point of origin. The reason for the existance of good in this universe is strictly to combat and counteract evil, yet the reason for evil is very unclear. This world is a world of unbalance, disorder, and incompletion.
The Characters
The current Slayer is Buffy Summers of Sunnydale, CA., a town which conventiently sits on top of Hellmouth, the Gates of Hell, and is therefore the center of demon activity. Buffy's battles with evil are officially presided over, monitored, and counseled by Rupert Giles, the Watcher. The Watcher is a selected member of an organization based in England dedicated to gathering as much information as possible on demonic activity and artifacts throughout history for the purposes of guiding and mentoring the Slayer. Giles works under the guise of the school librarian at Sunnydale High School. His library serves as the headquaters and research center of the Slayer. Also on Buffy's team are Willow Rosenburg, Alexander "Xander" Harris, Cordelia Chase, and "Oz." Below is the basic information about the principal characters.
Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar): The Slayer. Originally a stereotypical California blonde airhead, Buffy has matured beyond her years because of the job she's been charged with and struggles with the change it has brought about her identity and the innocence it stole from her. Originally reluctant in her duties as Slayer, Buffy has now accepted that slaying is her life and takes her work seriously, yet wishes she it would end. Despite everything she has experienced, she remains a kid first and a slayer second.
Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head): The Watcher. Like Buffy, Giles struggles between being a man and being a Watcher. However, unlike Buffy, he is a Watcher first and a man second, despite whether he wants it that way. Giles is Buffy's last line of support in any situation and the force that keeps her focused on slaying.
Willow Rosenburg (Allyson Hannigan): Willow is Buffy's closest friend and companion in the fight against evil. Willow makes the majority of her contribution to the cause on the computer or in the library, helping Giles research information about Buffy's latest crisis. Willow belongs to the Wiccan religion and has helped Buffy with spells on many occasions. Willow is also in love with Xander.
Alexander "Xander" Harris (Nicholas Brendon): Xander is the school loser who came into Buffy's inner circle through his friendship with Willow. Although he is not physically capable of assisting Buffy in her battles to any large degree, his heart is in the fight 100%. His value within the group has lately been under question, largely by himself. Xander recently ended a relationship with Cordelia and constantly holds a torch for Buffy.
Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter): Cordelia is the stereotypical "most popular girl in school" and all-around snob who ended up being dragged through humanity at its highs and lows during her experiences with Buffy's crew. Cordelia now struggles between rejection from her former peers and her struggle to bury her experiences.
Angelus (David Boreanez): "Angel" is a 242 year old vampire whose soul was restored, and with it his conscience. Angel now dedicates himself to aiding the Slayer and is involved in a romantic relationship with Buffy. Angel briefly lost his soul after having sex with Buffy, but thanks to Willow regained it just before Buffy was forced to kill him. He has since returned, now working with Buffy in secrecy.
Oz (Seth Green): Oz was introduced to the world of the Slayer by accident, and since then has been an avid supporter of the cause. Oz is a werewolf, a normal human who becomes a large wolf-like creature under a full moon. On the night of every full moon, Oz voluntarily locks himself in a cage in the library to prevent himself from harming anyone. Oz is romanitcally involved with Willow.
