This Year's Model of Humanity

A little while ago, elynross asked what people found interesting about Draco and Snape.

In explaining myself, I eventually went to the images that pop up in my head when I think of Draco (a little kid in a robe shop, chatting and being a miserable failure at being friendly. An eleven year old boy who was terrified of the Forbidden Forest and who was horrified at the sight of a dead unicorn. A child who, upon feeling himself insulted, immediately goes on the attack and insults right back). It was a fairly enjoyable exercise, so I'm extending to the Buffyverse. This isn't just going to be for the characters I like, since this is my way of explaining what I see when I look at each character. So, they won't all be nice images. If I missed someone that you want covered, please let me know.

Buffy: A young girl in love, turning around to say that she missed him, too. A vibrant young woman who looked up and said her name. A woman who loved so strongly that she was willing to go to her own death before she would let her sister jump. A quiet, torn soul who said this world was a hell. Someone running for her life, determined to reach safety and desperate to live. A smile in the face of the unknown.

Xander: A boy who was willing to face anything to save the girl who'd just rejected him. A young man who faced down the scariest vampire of them all without hesitation. A man who will face his best friend and say that he has the right to go out first. The backup. The key guy. The man who, no matter what else may be happening, will always have his friends' back.

Willow: A girl who wanted to make out with Oz because her best friend found a girlfriend. A young woman who loved deeply but selfishly. Soft, comforting kisses and whispered "I love you"s. A woman who sobbed in her best friend's arms because the hurt was too much. Someone extremely experienced in self-deception - who can turn a power issue into 'addiction'. A mourner at the grave of her 'forever' love.

Giles: A father's love for the girl, and only for her. Someone who almost learned the pain of 'too little, too late'. A murderer for the good of the world. Often ignored, often ignoring.

Spike: Chocolates and beheaded manniquins. Chains and confessions. Buffy-bots and bloody hands. Attempted rape and a broken bottle. A bright beam of light shining the way to his soul.

Anya: A game of Life and being taught about money. A broken heart and bloody vengeance. A demon chanting to save lives and a human urging a young witch to help her get back her powers. Enthusiastic sex and ignoring the rules. Hating men, loving a man, loving humanity.

Tara: A shy girl, looking up through her hair, too nervous to speak. A moment of silence and holding hands. A lone soul in the dark, waiting for bad news. A woman standing up for herself, and later, letting herself make mistakes. A gravestone and a brilliant smile.

Dawn: A bloody knife and too many questions. Screams and tears. Telling everyone to go away and wanting them to stay. Hugs and refusing to say good-bye. Kicking shins and being a 'bitty Buffy'.


I may do some of the others later, as it is fairly enjoyable to write that all down.