At first thought, I assumed the term “flawed character” to be synonymous to “character.” However, after some consideration, this doesn’t seem to be valid in all cases. Example one: President Bartlet, aka Martin Sheen, in The West Wing, the “God figure” who was arguably worshipped by his fellow characters on the show. Much the same, example two: Dumbledore, the kind of grandfather we all wanted but never had. And lastly, George Feeny in Boy Meets World, our favorite childhood mentor and role model. These characters are not just “characters”, they are flawless characters. However, for the majority of character who are not flawless, I still believe there are fundamental differences between a character who has flaws and a flawed character. A flawed character has a certain characteristic, a flaw, about him/her that continually influences the character’s actions and decisions. Joss Whedon perfects the use of flawed characters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, specifically in the two-part pilot, to champion the underdog, women, and introduce conflict.

At first, Buffy seems like your typical blonde, superficially pretty, run-of-the-mill high school teenager.  Joss Whedon admits that this was exactly what he was going for. That blonde chick that always dies first in a horror film? Yeah… her… Initially, the audience assigns Buffy’s character flaw: a woman, she is a woman. Although she serves as the “superhero” of the series, it is assumed that she is weaker, less intelligent, and more emotional than a man. The fact that she is a woman will negatively affect how she handles situations and makes decisions. However, pretty soon the viewer realizes that Buffy isn’t the stereotypical dumb blonde but quite far from it. Within minutes, Buffy is shown, in Joss Whedon’s words, “kicking butt.” She kicks down Angel, kills countless vampires, and saves a concert hall full of students. During these scenes, the viewer is not focused on the fact that Buffy is a woman, but on the fact that Buffy is, in my words, kicking ass. Buffy’s assumed character flaw wasn’t a character flaw at all, but instead, an audience flaw.

Joss Whedon introduces a flawed character, Cordelia, to provoke conflict in the first two episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Cordelia’s character flaw is, at first, hidden from the viewer as she generously offers her book to Buffy. Nevertheless, Cordelia’s true colors are revealed as she spews bitchy, for lack of a better word, comments about fashion and requirements to be popular. Her character flaw? Cattiness. After Buffy pins Cordelia against a wall, and saves all the students from hungry vampires which Cordelia conveniently forgets, Cordelia is heard gossiping about Buffy. Although the conflict of savage vampires is already incredibly relevant in the series, the conflict between Buffy and Cordelia supported by Cordelia’s cattiness is more relatable to the viewers. Joss Whedon’s use of a flawed character allows the audience to feel more connected to the story.

Although there are no George Feeny’s or President Bartlet’s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer displays a variety of characters with assumed character flaws and deserved character flaws. Let’s all just remember what people say about those who make assumptions…