* Buffy Summers: The protagonist of the series. She is the chosen one, destined to slay vampires.
* Willow Rosenberg: Buffy's best friend. She is a powerful witch.
* Xander Harris: Buffy's other best friend. He is a loyal and supportive friend.
* Rupert Giles: Buffy's Watcher, a mentor who helps her in her fight against vampires.
* Angel: A vampire who is in love with Buffy. He is a complex character who struggles with his own nature.
* Spike: A vampire who is Buffy's enemy. He is a powerful and dangerous vampire.
* Drusilla: A vampire who is Spike's lover. She is a sadistic and cruel vampire.
* Darla: A vampire who is Angel's sire. She is a ruthless and powerful vampire.
* The Master: The main antagonist of the first season. He is a powerful and ancient vampire.