Who Is Giles? Origin, Powers and Key Facts

Giles is a Company-Licensed comic book character, the alter ego of Rupert Giles, with over 301 comic issue appearances. Buffy's Watcher, Giles, had the duty to direct Buffy in the use of her powers and do his best to keep her alive.

Who is Giles?

Anthony Head as Rupert Giles Rupert Giles is a Watcher, assigned by the Watcher's Council to work with Buffy after the death of her first watcher, Merrick. He traveled to Sunnydale, California and took a job as a librarian at Sunnydale High School, where he met Buffy. He recognized her as the Slayer and presented her with a book on vampires, which she rejected, fleeing the scene. With the death of Merrick still fresh in her memory, she was reluctant to take on Giles as her Watcher and to continue her Slayer duties. But Giles was persistent and was finally able to convince Buffy to accept her destiny as the Slayer. The relationship that developed between Buffy and Giles is primarily a mentor/student relationship, though there are also strong father/daughter undertones. Giles was supportive of Buffy and aided her not only in her quest as a Slayer but also in her moments of weakness and sorrow, in the hardship of being a teenage anonymous superhero. Giles' expertise goes far beyond the lore of ancient prophecies and texts regarding the Slayer and the evils she has to face.

Key facts

Giles is of human origin. The character is published by Company-Licensed. With 301 recorded issue appearances, Giles ranks among the most featured characters in comics.