Celebrating 20 years since leaving our screens, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has captivated the public since its inception in 1997. This coming-of-age/horror fantasy raised the bar for television and provided viewers with one of the first major female-focused shows. Its popularity has never wavered, even spawning a potential reboot that is currently on hold.
buffy the vampire slayer, with its 7 long seasons, provided an abundance of complex and developed characters. This extended to Angel, spin-off of the 1999 series. From the metamorphosis of an evil villain to mean girls who risk everything; fans had a long discussion about the best arcs, taking to Reddit to discuss who had the best development and who stayed the same.
10 xander
Despite being the main character and member of Scooby from the start, fans agree that Xander Harris (Nicholas Brandon) practically did not develop for 7 seasons. He is known for his comedic relief in times of stress and tumultuous relationships with Cordelia and Anya.
Redditor 2legit2Cthee wants “Xander to get the development he deserves” and thinks Nicholas Brendon deserves better, blaming it on Joss Whedon basing Xander on himself and not allowing any real change. What, as they say, Buffy it would have been different without him, and his loyalty to his friends has remained consistent throughout the series.
9 Tara
Tara Maclay (English)Amber Benson) is often forgotten and barely mentioned in fan discussions. This quiet, gentle character was loved by fans, but in the series they were not allowed to reveal themselves to the fullest. Tara has often been a plot point in Willow’s development, from their relationship to Tara’s tragic death.
An unnamed Reddit user notes that Tara’s murder was the only time “she did something remarkable”. This is the problem with her character. Buffy has been criticized for killing off its characters, especially Tara, an openly LGBTQ+ woman. The potential for the arc could have been amazing, but fans squandered the opportunity too soon.
8 Oz
First introduced as a laid-back musician and eventual love interest to Willow, Oz (Seth Green) was a hit with fans. His initial opening arc of being a werewolf was handled well and he joined Scooby and managed to embrace this new side of himself.
However, fans do not approve of the general line of his character. User hannukahmontanuka notes that Oz had a “hurried ending”. 2legit2Cthee also added that “Oz’s arc would have been more important if Seth Green hadn’t left the show so early.” With Seth Green’s impressive performance, fans are wondering what could have been if another character arc had been aborted.
7 Andrey
The losing character of this discussion is Andrew (Tom Lenk). Biscuitscoconut is listing Andrew’s name as a sign-up vote, and many fans will agree. Originally part of a trio of villains with Warren (Adam Bush) and Jonathan (Danny Strong), who plotted against Buffy, Andrew soon became Scooby’s hostage.
Following the murder of Jonathan under the influence of the First Evil, Buffy delayed Andrew and he was a recurring character throughout the final season. His character arc from villain to member of the Scooby Gang was exciting as he merged with them to help defeat the First Evil in an explosive finale.
6 Anya
Everyone’s favorite ex-demon, Anya (Emma Caulfield), had a noticeable character arc with some lag. She joined Buffy as a vengeance demon until she became human again as punishment and had to struggle with her identity and general dislike of humans. As with Oz, viewers thought Anya’s ending was rushed and her character did a disservice.
Years later, as she began to understand what it means to be human, with some setbacks, Anya is killed in the finale as the gang fights the First Evil. It’s a heartbreaking death, but fans weren’t happy. Hannukahmontanuka noted that her death was “accidental and without cause”. Without that, Anya’s compelling character line could have gone a little further.
5 Willow
Willow Rosenberg (ur.Alyson Hannigan) has one of the craziest character arcs and is remembered as one of TV’s best witches. Fans first meet Willow as a nerdy bookworm with a good heart. As an adult, she becomes addicted to magic, becoming a powerful witch and eventually addicted to it. When she loses her friend Tara, she turns to dark magic bent on revenge.
After recovering and returning to Willow’s normal life, she struggles with grief and the effects of addiction. Fans, including purplemakem, loved the unique nature of her arc: “It makes sense when Willow gets stronger and you get rid of the cute moments…[she] not as good as originally thought.” Alyson Hannigan takes this arc to the next level with her consistently amazing performance.
4 Buffy
The protagonist inevitably emerges as one of the most impressive character arcs since the series builds on her development from the start. Everyone’s favorite heroine Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle-Gellar) starts out as an irresponsible teenager who pushes away the responsibility of being a Slayer.
As the story progresses, Buffy turns into a true protector, focused on her calling and saving everyone around her. She sacrifices herself for her sister and puts herself in danger several times to save the world. She does it all through grief, heartbreak and pain. Redditor thekindlyeightyeight summed it up nicely: “Her journey has been incredible.” Without the storyline, Buffy wouldn’t exist. Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
3 Cordelia
In season 1 Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) started out as a textbook mean girl. Her cabal ruled the Sunnydale school. Her arc begins when she is reluctantly revealed to be a member of the Scooby and ends up dating Xander. When everyone finds out about the relationship, she almost completely loses her popularity, but is ready to sacrifice it for the sake of love.
The rest of her impressive character is shown in Angel, spin-off series. Cordelia, who has been called selfish and vain, becomes much more compassionate after gaining psychic visions of those in need of help. While soulwind42 claims that her “arc fell apart at the end” due to her death, that doesn’t detract from her amazing evolution.
2 Wesley
This nerdy observer-turned-bad boy was voted by Red_Lizzard and many fans agreed. In another arc, which predominantly took place in Angel, Wesley Wyndham-PriceAlexis Denisof) joins Angel Investigations, a private supernatural hunting service created by Angel.
He went from a fearful Watcher to a highly skilled demon hunter. After he turned on the Angel and was injured, he became even stronger and ended up dying while trying to save the world. Wesley became the hero he wanted to be, but it came at a cost. Kindashwanzto said Wesley’s arc was “the most organic” and Cancifiliaeds agreed, “It’s a good story arc because it shows you don’t always want what you think you’re doing.”
1 Thorn
The name is on everyone’s lips again and again - Spike (James Marsters), and a character arc that has dazzled fans throughout the series. Spike was introduced in the second season as the greatest “big villain”, the Slayer-killing vampire. But after a broken heart, a chip that keeps him from harming people, and a newfound love, Spike becomes almost unrecognizable.
While this is the most popular answer for the best character arcs, fans note that his development was ruined by the horrific events of season 6, but despite this, many still approve of his redemption arc. Hannukahmontanuka sums up their thoughts: “The slow cooking and rhythm of his character development feels so right.” Spike remains a popular villain turned hero, strengthened when he sacrificed himself in the finale.
Source: Collider
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