The iconic series Buffy The Vampire Slayer is known for its impressive parade of demons and otherworldly villains. The only conceivable way to combat such an onslaught of evil is an exceptionally powerful team, and this is where Buffy and her friends come in.
The main characters of this fantastical comedy-drama are incredibly varied in their abilities, which morph and develop drastically over seven seasons. Many of them shift in and out of prominence within the story's trajectory and even switch between good and evil. Regardless of their complex personal narratives, all of Buffy's demon-fighting colleagues offer something valuable to her battle against hellish enemies.
Dawn Summers
Technically, Dawn Summers begins as the Key, a mystical power of living energy that can break down the barriers separating all dimensions. While this world-destroying essence is certainly powerful, it isn't exactly her. The real Dawn — the Dawn that exists long after the Key is used — is Buffy's conflicted, complicated little sister.
By the end of the show's run, she is capable of holding her own in a fight and is remarkably resilient in the face of all she's been through. While she doesn't possess any supernatural talents, she is a significant and grounding presence in Buffy's life.
Xander Harris
Like Willow, Xander enters Buffy's world without any prior knowledge of the demons, monsters, and mystical beings that reside there. He is also without any so-called special abilities, living a relatively mundane life outside of his involvement with the Scooby Gang.
Xander is nonetheless a vital part of the team and an unequivocal source of influence over those around him. The underrated extent of his power is perhaps most palpable when he talks Willow out of her murderous rage in season seven.
Rupert Giles
As Buffy's Watcher, Giles is an authority and expert on all things concerning the Chosen One. His knowledge and fair fighting skills make him powerful on his own, but his ability to hone power within others is even more impressive.
On a basic level, Giles is a walking encyclopedia on otherworldly beasts, but he is also Buffy's educational, emotional, and spiritual guide. He helps her to develop exceptional fighting skills and instincts, as well as a strong moral compass.
Tara Maclay
Tara is introduced to viewers as a shy and mysterious side-character whose magical abilities draw her to Willow. As the romantic connection between the two deepens, she becomes a regular character and consistent aide to Buffy. Tara's timid disposition makes her appear vulnerable, but she has indisputable magical talents and an unshakable strength of character.
Her innate wisdom and self-control come to the fore when she breaks up with Willow; a necessary choice that pains her nonetheless. She remains a fierce and brave opponent to all her enemies throughout the series.
Anya Jenkins
In the episode "I Wish," Anya is introduced as a vengeance demon who approaches mistreated wives and girlfriends and grants their resentful wishes. Named "Patron Saint of Scorned Women," the demon Anyanka spent decades placing powerful curses on men.
When she is stripped of her title and transformed back into a human, Anya becomes a member of the Scooby Gang and a long-term partner of Xander's. She retains power even as a human, providing invaluable insider knowledge and connections to the group.
Faith Lehane
With brute strength, impressive fighting skills, and fierce bloodlust, Faith is an invaluable ally and frightening enemy. As a Slayer, she could have been considerably more powerful if she'd been given the guidance and support that Buffy had.
Having lost her original Watcher, Faith is constantly searching for a parental figure, while simultaneously pushing away almost anyone who attempts to be close to her. While she improves by the series' end, Faith's self-destructive tendencies and natural impulsivity make her a slightly less-powerful version of Buffy.
Spike
Otherwise known as William The Bloody, Spike was renowned for his bloodthirst and brutality throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. He killed two slayers in his time—an impressive and admiral feat within the vampire community—and came close to defeating Buffy.
When the initiative implanted a microchip in his head, Spike became defenseless against humans, experiencing splitting pain whenever he attempted to harm a human being. He remained powerful nonetheless, taking down demons and becoming an unusual but crucial addition to Buffy's team.
Angel
Even more violent and cruel than Spike was Angelus, a sadistic vampire and the source of a widespread and disturbing legend. Angelus was essentially unstoppable until 1898 when he was cursed for killing a member of Clan Kanderash. This curse returned his soul to him, and he was gripped by insurmountable guilt over the countless lives he had destroyed.
Renaming himself Angel and embarking on a journey of never-ending redemption, this character meets Buffy as an incredibly powerful force of good. Despite considerable setbacks, Angel saves numerous human lives in Sunnydale and Los Angeles.
Buffy Summers
Buffy has all the strength, agility, and instincts of any other Slayer—traits that already make her one of the most powerful beings in the world. She stands apart from others, however, by surrounding herself with a team of researchers, witches, and former or current demons who stand with her against the threat of evil.
Unlike other Slayers, Buffy finds strength in her normal life, where she makes connections that are crucial to her survival. As a result, she is one of the longest-lived Slayers, and her time as the Chosen One allows her to expand and explore her abilities in unprecedented ways. Buffy defeats endless evils of insurmountable power.
Willow Rosenberg
Willow begins the series as a sharp, brave, and kind classmate of Buffy's who quickly becomes one of the original Scooby Gang. She was never without power, wielding her strong research skills and general intelligence to assist Buffy in all of her adventures. As she gets older, Willow discovers that she has a particular proclivity for the magicks, and quickly becomes a formidable witch.
The true and terrifying extent of her abilities is revealed in the show's final season when she suffers a personal tragedy and decides to seek revenge. Willow ends the series as the most powerful witch on Earth, wielding more power than even Buffy can comprehend.