Faith Lehane
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Faith Lehane is a fictional character created by
Joss Whedon Joseph Hill "Joss" Whedon ( ; born June 23, 1964) is an American screenwriter, director, producer, comic book writer, and composer. He is best known as the creator of several television series: the supernatural drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer' ...
for the television series ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' is an American supernatural fiction, supernatural drama television series created by writer and director Joss Whedon. The concept is based on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film), 1992 film, also written by Whedon, a ...
''. Played by actress
Eliza Dushku Eliza Patricia Dushku (; born December 30, 1980) is an American former actress. Dushku starred as Faith (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Faith in the supernatural Drama (film and television), drama series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1998–2003) an ...
, Faith was introduced in the third season of ''Buffy'' and was a focus of that season's overarching plot. She returned for shorter
story arc A story arc (also narrative arc) is the chronological construction of a plot in a novel or story. It can also mean an extended or continuing narrative, storyline in episode, episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strip ...
s on ''Buffy'' and its spin-off, ''
Angel An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
''. The character's story is continued in the comic book series ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight'' is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics from 2007 to 2011. It serves as a canonical continuation of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and follows the events of that show's ...
'', and she also appears in
apocryphal Apocrypha () are biblical or related writings not forming part of the accepted canon of scripture, some of which might be of doubtful authorship or authenticity. In Christianity, the word ''apocryphal'' (ἀπόκρυφος) was first applied to ...
material such as other comic books and novels. Faith was set to receive her own spin-off television series after the final season of ''Buffy'', but Eliza Dushku declined the offer, and the series was never made. The character later co-stars in the 25-issue comic book ''Angel & Faith'' beginning in August 2011 under the banner of ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine'' is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics from 2011 to 2013. It is the sequel to the '' Season Eight'' comic book series, a canonical continuation of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire S ...
'', the story taking place mostly in London and the surrounding area. Seven years after the character's creation, Whedon granted her the surname Lehane for a
role-playing game A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, or abbreviated as RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out ...
and subsequent material. The last issue of ''Season Eight'' was the first source officially confirmed to be canon that referred to Faith by her full name. Faith is a
Slayer Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, drummer Dave Lombardo and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them ...
: a girl endowed with supernatural abilities and destined to battle evil creatures such as
vampires A vampire is a mythical creature that subsists by feeding on the Vitalism, vital essence (generally in the form of blood) of the living. In European folklore, vampires are undead, undead humanoid creatures that often visited loved ones and c ...
and
demons A demon is a malevolent supernatural entity. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in folklore, mythology, religion, occultism, and literature; these beliefs are reflected in media including fiction, comics, film, t ...
. Created as a
foil Foil may refer to: Materials * Foil (metal), a quite thin sheet of metal, usually manufactured with a rolling mill machine * Metal leaf, a very thin sheet of decorative metal * Aluminium foil, a type of wrapping for food * Tin foil, metal foil ma ...
to the
protagonist A protagonist () is the main character of a story. The protagonist makes key decisions that affect the plot, primarily influencing the story and propelling it forward, and is often the character who faces the most significant obstacles. If a ...
,
Buffy Summers Buffy Anne Summers is the title character of the ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' franchise. She first appeared in the 1992 film ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' before going on to appear in The WB/ UPN 1997–2003 television series and subsequent 1998 ...
, she is a Slayer who comes from a damaged background and often makes the wrong decision. Initially an ally to the main characters, events take a toll on Faith's sanity and she slips into a villainous role. Later storylines show her regaining her mental health that makes her remorseful for her past crimes, and with the benevolent vampire Angel's help she eventually rejoins the side of good in the hopes of achieving redemption, reaching full maturity and becoming a hero in her own right.


Appearances


Television

In ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' season 3, Faith arrives in
Sunnydale Sunnydale is the fictional setting for the American television drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1997–2003). The series creator Joss Whedon conceived the town as a representation of a generic California, Californian city, as well as a narr ...
, having been activated as the Slayer by the death of
Kendra Kendra is a female name of disputed origins. Kendra is a moderately popular female first name, ranking 403 out of 4275 for females of all ages in the 1990 U.S. Census. The name was at its most popular in the United States from the mid-1980s to m ...
(
Bianca Lawson Bianca Lawson (born March 20, 1979) is an American actress. Lawson is known for her regular roles in the television series '' Saved by the Bell: The New Class'', '' Goode Behavior'', ''Pretty Little Liars'', and '' Rogue''. She has also had rec ...
) (who was activated by Buffy's temporary death in the first season) in the episode " Becoming, Part One". Coming from a traumatic and
abusive Abuse is the act of improper usage or treatment of a person or thing, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, ...
background, Faith tries to fit in with Buffy (
Sarah Michelle Gellar Sarah Michelle Prinze ( ; born April 14, 1977) is an American actress. After being spotted by a talent agent as a young child, she made her film debut at age six in the television film ''An Invasion of Privacy'' (1983). She had her first lead ...
) and her friends, but becomes increasingly isolated and bitter as the season progresses. A major turning point for the character occurs in the mid-season episode " Bad Girls"; while trying to show Buffy the fun side of slaying, Faith accidentally kills Deputy Mayor Allan Finch (
Jack Plotnick Jack Plotnick is an American film and television actor, writer, and producer. Career Plotnick is possibly best known for his role as Edmund Kay in the 1998 period drama '' Gods and Monsters'', which won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Scr ...
), a human being whom she mistakes for a vampire. Feeling more alienated than ever, she betrays the Scooby Gang and allies herself with the villainous Mayor of Sunnydale (
Harry Groener Harry Groener (born September 10, 1951) is an American actor and dancer, perhaps best known for playing Mayor Wilkins in ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (seasons 3, 4 and 7). Early life Groener was born in Augsburg, Bavaria, West Germany, to an op ...
), eventually forming a sincere father-daughter relationship with him. After Faith tries to murder Buffy's vampire lover
Angel An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
(
David Boreanaz David Paul Boreanaz (; born May 16, 1969) is an American actor, television producer, and director known for playing the roles of vampire-turned-private investigator Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Angel on The WB/UPN supernatural fiction, supe ...
) under the mayor's orders, the two Slayers finally battle it out in the season finale, a confrontation which leaves Faith alive but comatose. Faith returns to ''Buffy'' for two episodes in the fourth season. Waking up from her coma, she seeks revenge on Buffy by switching their bodies using a mystical device called the Draconian Katra left to her by the now-deceased Mayor. As Buffy is taken into custody by the
Watchers' Council In the fictional universe of the television series' ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel, a'' Watcher is a member of a secret organization of parapsychologists: "The Watchers' Council", which seeks to prepare the Slayer to fight demonic fo ...
for crimes she did not commit, Faith discovers for the first time what it is like to be surrounded by loving friends and family, and Buffy starts to understand Faith despite being upset with her predicament. After feeling obliged to rescue a church full of people from vampires, Faith battles Buffy once again, expressing extreme self-hatred before being returned to her own body. The storyline is continued in the first season of spin-off series ''Angel'', as Faith escapes to Los Angeles and is hired by Wolfram & Hart to assassinate Angel. Instead, she plots an intricate plan to have Angel kill her, but Angel convinces her to face the consequences of her actions, bonds with her as a friend and ally due to their similarities, and helps her on the path to redemption. Faith hands herself over to the police and she is sentenced to prison, where Angel later visits her. In ''Angel'' season 4, Angel is reverted to the evil Angelus after having his soul removed. Faith is approached by her former Watcher,
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (also spelled Wyndam-Price and Wyndham-Price) is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel (1999 TV series), Angel''. Played by Alexis Denisof, Wesley first ...
(
Alexis Denisof Alexis Denisof (born February 25, 1966) is an American actor, primarily known for playing Wesley Wyndam-Pryce in the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and its spin-off ''Angel''. He also had a recurring role on ''How I Met Your Moth ...
), who informs her of Angelus's presence, sparking her to break out of prison and help them. Wanting to help Angel the way he helped her, Faith injects herself with a mystical drug and feeds herself to Angelus in order to incapacitate him so that their allies can work to restore his soul. She nearly dies from the drug, but during a psychic mind walk, Angel persuades her subconscious not to give up and that life is worth living. Afterwards, a recovered Faith travels back to Sunnydale, where she plays a significant role in the battle against the
First Evil The First Evil (usually called The First) is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the TV series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. The First Evil first appeared in the third season episode " Amends", and became the main antagonist of the s ...
in the final season of ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. In these episodes, she reconciles with Buffy, although their relationship is tested when the
Potential Slayers A Slayer in the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel'' (both created by Joss Whedon), is a young woman bestowed by fate with supernatural powers and abilities that originate from the heart, soul, and spirit of a pure-demon. ...
appoint Faith as their leader over Buffy. This decision later proves disastrous when Faith's plan leads them into a trap, leaving several girls dead. She and the survivors are saved by Buffy, and the two finally make peace with one another. After a
one-night stand A one-night stand is a single sexual encounter in which there is no expectation that there shall be any further relations between the sexual participants. It draws its name from the common practice of a one-night stand, a single night performanc ...
with school principal Robin Wood ( D.B. Woodside), the two begin a romantic relationship when they both survive the battle in the series finale. Faith was set to receive her own spin-off following the end of ''Buffy'', which, according to Tim Minear, would have featured Faith "probably on a motorcycle, crossing the Earth, trying to find her place in the world." However, Eliza Dushku chose to take other offers for her post-''Buffy'' career.


Literature

Faith made appearances in various ''Buffy'' and ''Angel''
comic books A comic book, comic-magazine, or simply comic is a publication that consists of comics art in the form of sequential juxtaposed panel (comics), panels that represent individual scenes. Panels are often accompanied by descriptive prose and wri ...
and
novels A novel is an extended work of narrative fiction usually written in prose and published as a book. The word derives from the for 'new', 'news', or 'short story (of something new)', itself from the , a singular noun use of the neuter plural of '' ...
. In the ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' comic book story "
Haunted Haunted or The Haunted may refer to: Books * ''Haunted'' (Armstrong novel), by Kelley Armstrong, 2005 * ''Haunted'' (Cabot novel), by Meg Cabot, 2004 * ''Haunted'' (Palahniuk novel), by Chuck Palahniuk, 2005 * ''Haunted'' (Angel novel), a 200 ...
", an imprisoned Faith reveals to Angel her memories of being in a coma between ''Buffy'' seasons three and four; she shared a psychic link with the Mayor's spirit and could see him attacking people through his eyes. " Note from the Underground" sees Faith being temporarily released from jail into Angel's custody, in order to help Buffy defeat the demonic fascists, the Scourge. ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Faith Trials, Vol. 1'' is a
novelization A novelization (or novelisation) is a derivative novel that adapts the story of a work created for another medium, such as a film, TV series, stage play, comic book, or video game. Film novelizations were particularly popular before the advent ...
of ''Buffy'' season 3 episodes which center around Faith, including "
Faith, Hope & Trick "Faith, Hope & Trick" is the third episode of season three of the television show ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. This episode introduces the character Faith, another vampire slayer, who will become a key player in Sunnydale. While the rest of th ...
", " Bad Girls", and "
Consequences Consequence may refer to: Philosophy, science and social sciences * Logical consequence, also known as a ''consequence relation'', or ''entailment'' * Consequent, in logic, the second half of a hypothetical proposition or consequences * Consequent ...
". These episodes focus specifically on Faith's arrival in Sunnydale, and her subsequent turn to the dark side following the death of the Deputy Mayor. Faith appeared prominently in her own 2006 novel '' Go Ask Malice: A Slayer's Diary'' by Robert Joseph Levy, which elaborates on Faith's back-story in
South Boston South Boston (colloquially known as Southie) is a densely populated neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States, located south and east of the Fort Point Channel and abutting Dorchester Bay (Boston Harbor), Dorchester Bay. It has under ...
and how she came to be the Slayer. Written in
diary A diary is a written or audiovisual memorable record, with discrete entries arranged by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or other period. Diaries have traditionally been handwritten but are now also often digita ...
format, it fleshes out many areas of Faith's past which were only alluded to in the show, such as her alcoholic mother's abuse, her previous relationships, and her first Watcher's gruesome death at the hands of the vampire
Kakistos "Faith, Hope & Trick" is the third episode of season three of the television show ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. This episode introduces the character Faith, another vampire slayer, who will become a key player in Sunnydale. While the rest of th ...
. Author Robert Joseph Levy describes writing the book, "I wanted to explore the choices she made and the choices that were taken away from her, and how they affected her mental state and her development from Potential to Chosen before she arrived." Expanded Universe material such as this is not usually considered
canonical The adjective canonical is applied in many contexts to mean 'according to the canon' the standard, rule or primary source that is accepted as authoritative for the body of knowledge or literature in that context. In mathematics, ''canonical exampl ...
unless otherwise stated. Faith is featured in the ongoing comic book, ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight'' is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics from 2007 to 2011. It serves as a canonical continuation of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'', and follows the events of that show's ...
'' (2007–11), which serves as a canonical continuation of the television series. In the storyline "
No Future For You "No Future for You" is the second story arc of the ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight'' series of comic books, based upon the television series of the same name, and is written by Brian K. Vaughan. The story arc would be reprinted in trade ...
", Faith goes undercover on a mission from Giles to assassinate rogue Slayer Genevieve "Gigi" Savidge, who plans to usurp Buffy's position as leader to the Slayers. Instead, Faith forms an unexpected connection with Gigi and finds herself torn between her new friend and her old enemy. When Gigi discovers her true identity, Faith unintentionally kills her in battle, and the arc ends with Faith finding a new purpose alongside Giles, helping slayers so they won't go down the path she and Gigi did. Faith and Giles later reappear over a year later in "
Safe A safe (also called a strongbox or coffer) is a secure lockable enclosure used for securing valuable objects against theft or fire. A safe is usually a hollow cuboid or cylinder, with one face being removable or hinged to form a door. The body ...
", which recounts one of their missions in Germany. Faith reconvenes with Buffy to face the threats of the villain Twilight in " Retreat", and is captured alongside Giles and Andrew by Twilight. As such, she is witness to the reveal that Twilight is in fact Angel in "Twilight, Part II". In the final story arc, " Last Gleaming", Faith battles in the ruins of Sunnydale alongside other Scooby Gang members and Slayers. Underground however, Angel—possessed by the Twilight entity—snaps Giles' neck in order to prevent the destruction of its power source; a grief-stricken Buffy destroys it however, Angel is freed from Twilight's possession, and magic is mostly cut off from the universe. In the final issue, set some time later, per Giles'
will Will may refer to: Common meanings * Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death * Will (philosophy), or willpower * Will (sociology) * Will, volition (psychology) * Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will ...
, all of his worldly assets, save a book, have been left to Faith. In Faith's care is a distraught Angel, whom she intends to rehabilitate. Following ''Season Eight'', Faith received her own title in '' Angel & Faith'' (2011–2013), a companion series to ''Season Nine''. The story depicts Angel and Faith, as residents in Giles' London home, attending to his unfinished business and fighting the forces of evil in London while Angel covertly pursues a plan to resurrect Giles. Faith takes on the role of mentor to a group of Slayers, but those relationships are strained by her friendship with Angel. Ultimately, the group are successful in resurrecting Giles (albeit as a young boy), as well as averting the apocalypse. The story ends with Faith deciding to take some time alone to find herself. She is next seen in ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten'' is the sequel to the '' Season Nine'' comic book series, a canonical continuation of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. The series is published by Dark Horse Comics and ran from March 2014 ...
'' (2014–2016), when she brings Giles to reconnect with Buffy, and is hurt when Giles coldly tells her that his first priority is Buffy. In the accompanying second volume of ''Angel & Faith'', Faith initially finds a home for herself in
Kennedy Kennedy may refer to: People * Kennedy (surname), including any of several people with that surname ** Kennedy family, a prominent American political family that includes: *** Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888–1969), American businessman, investor, ...
's Slayer
private security A private security company is a business entity which provides armed or unarmed security services and expertise to clients in the private or public sectors. Overview Private security companies are defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic ...
firm, and while working with them, is troubled by her mission to rescue
Riley Finn Riley Finn is a fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the television series '' Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. Portrayed by Marc Blucas, Riley was introduced in the 1999 season 4 premiere episode, " The Freshman", and Blucas was part of th ...
, whom she slept with while posing as Buffy some years ago. Ultimately, she returns to London to fight alongside Angel against the ancient demon Archaeus, who had been terrorising London.


Concept and creation

The initial concept for Faith's character was "the road not taken", a Slayer who makes the wrong choices in life. She is intended to be a reflection of Buffy, and what Buffy could have become were it not for her support system of friends and family. The question the writers wanted to answer was, despite being made from the same "raw materials," how would upbringing and environment affect the type of people they would become later in life? Joss Whedon describes her as everything Buffy would never let herself become; although Buffy is tempted by Faith's approach to slaying, she ultimately decides not to make the same choices herself. Some fans argued that the show developed a lesbian
subtext In any communication, in any medium or format, "subtext" is the underlying or implicit meaning that, while not explicitly stated, is understood by an audience. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "an underlying and often distinct theme ...
between Faith and Buffy;
Jane Espenson Jane Espenson (born July 14, 1964) is an American television writer and producer. Espenson has worked on both situation comedies and serial dramas. She had a five-year stint as a writer and producer on ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and shared ...
states that Whedon says he didn't intend this, but admitted it was there after he had it pointed out to him, jokingly attributing this to his subconscious. With Faith, the writers explored the nature of power, and the boundaries and consequences of its use. They wanted to address the issue that, whether the creatures a Slayer kills are good or evil, she is still a professional killer. Co-executive producer
Doug Petrie Douglas Petrie is an American screenwriter, director, and producer. Best known as a writer, director, and co-executive producer on ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. He co-wrote the screenplays for the ''Fantastic Four'' film and '' Harriet the Spy ...
, and writer of Faith-centric episodes such as " Revelations" and " Bad Girls", says one of the things he loves about the character is that Faith is not wrong in describing herself and Buffy as killers. He goes on to discuss a Slayer's rights and responsibilities, and how Faith believes her contributions to society relieve her of any legal or moral responsibilities, a view which Buffy does not share. When writing Faith, Petrie looked to
Frank Miller Frank Miller (born January 27, 1957) is an American comic book artist, comic book writer, and screenwriter known for his comic book stories and graphic novels such as his run on ''Daredevil'', for which he created the character Elektra, and ...
's violent
Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
character
Elektra Natchios Elektra Natchios (, ) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She was initially created as a supporting character for the superhero Daredevil (Marvel Comics character), Matt Murdock / Daredevil, to w ...
for inspiration, claiming, "In a different, teen, punkier context, Faith is so much like Elektra." Known only as "Faith" during the television series; she was not given a surname until 2005, seven years after her first appearance. Joss Whedon was approached by Eden Studios to create surnames for Faith and Kendra to use in a ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' role-playing game, and chose "Lehane" for Faith, because he wanted something " southie".
Joss Whedon Joseph Hill "Joss" Whedon ( ; born June 23, 1964) is an American screenwriter, director, producer, comic book writer, and composer. He is best known as the creator of several television series: the supernatural drama ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer' ...
announced in January 2005 that Faith's surname was "Lehane," and this would be used in all future products, starting with Eden Studios' ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' role-playing game. The name appears in Eden's books and is considered to be
canonical The adjective canonical is applied in many contexts to mean 'according to the canon' the standard, rule or primary source that is accepted as authoritative for the body of knowledge or literature in that context. In mathematics, ''canonical exampl ...
. Whedon explained at the time: : ''There was this role playing game or something. They said she hadda have a last name for her so I chose Lehane 'cause I wanted something Southie, just as you thought.''
Joss Whedon at whedonesque.com
/ref>


Characterization

Actress Eliza Dushku describes Faith as the "working class" Slayer, a reason she feels so many people identify with her. She was written as a sympathetic character; with Doug Petrie claiming "I connected with Faith early on. I love that character. She's totally tragic." According to Petrie, "The whole key to Faith is that she's in pain. If you took that away, she would be a monster. But she's so lonely and so desperate, and all of her toughness comes out of trying to cover that. That's what real monsters are made of. No one thinks they're really a monster." Petrie claims Faith's main motivation is to find a family and friends; she sees treacherous Watcher Gwendolyn Post as the mother she never had, the Scooby Gang as the friends she never had, and the Mayor as the father she never had. "So, she's always looking for a family and always coming up short and making these horrible choices, and it drove her insane" says Petrie. "Plus, I think she was missing a couple of screws to begin with. 'If you don't love me, you will fear me,' is kind of her
m.o M.O are an English girl group consisting of members Annie Ashcroft and Chanal Benjilali, and previously Frankee Connolly until her departure in June 2017 and Nadine Samuels until her departure in 2020. The group was formed in 2012 by the member ...
. She's not a stable girl, but a fun one." Petrie describes the character's name as "wildly ironic", due to her cynical nature. According to Petrie, "She's the most faithless character we've got. She doesn't trust herself or anyone around her. We try to do that a lot with our monsters. It's much more fun if you look at it from their point of view." Writer Jane Espenson believes one of the reasons why Faith elicits sympathy from the audience is the father/daughter relationship between her and the mayor, comparing their affection for one another to that between vampires
Spike Spike, spikes, or spiking may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Books * ''The Spike'' (novel), a novel by Arnaud de Borchgrave * ''The Spike'' (Broderick book), a nonfiction book by Damien Broderick * ''The Spike'', a starship in Peter ...
and Drusilla in the earlier season. The writers wanted to make both Faith and the Mayor as human as possible by showing they need connection and love as much as the heroic characters. Eliza Dushku asserts that Faith's bond with the mayor stems from him being one of the few people in her life who does not put her down, which is something she has battled with her whole life; Dushku goes on to say Faith's misplaced trust in the Mayor "leads her into being crazier". In the ''Angel'' season 1 episode "
Sanctuary A sanctuary, in its original meaning, is a sacred space, sacred place, such as a shrine, protected by ecclesiastical immunity. By the use of such places as a haven, by extension the term has come to be used for any place of safety. This seconda ...
", Faith forms a bond with the vampire-with-a-soul Angel; executive producer David Greenwalt explains Angel can help her because he alone is able to understand the suffering she has been through and how to help her atone for her sins. Faith is then able to return the favor in ''Angel'''s fourth season, when she is the only one determined to defeat Angel's soulless alter ego Angelus without killing him in the process. Actor David Boreanaz explains, "I think having a character like Faith come back at a pivotal point when she finds out Angelus is loose is really, for her character, a way of saying: 'I'm paying you back, Angel, for saving me, therefore, I'm gonna save you.'" The writers believed it would be an interesting dynamic to have former "bad girl" Faith play a heroic role against the show's now villainous protagonist, Angel. Faith was brought back for the final season of ''Buffy'', because, according to David Solomon, "she had been such a crucial character at a very specific junction in the series that there would be no way to tie it up without her." However, in season 7 the dynamic between the two Slayers has changed. As Rebecca Rand Kirshner explains, "
aith Aith, ( Shetland dialect: Eid, Old Norse: ''Eið'', meaning Isthmus, cf Eday), is a village on the Northern coast of the West Shetland Mainland, Scotland at the southern end of Aith Voe, some west of Lerwick. Aith lies on the B9071 that runs s ...
is no longer such a complete opposite of Buffy. And there's sort of a subtler and more complicated dynamic between them". As Buffy struggles with her unwanted position of mentor to the Potential Slayers, the writers used Faith to create an outside conflict about Buffy's leadership abilities. Although Faith is questioning Buffy and her choices she is making, she is no longer an enemy to her either. In the episode "
Empty Places "Empty Places" is the 19th episode of the seventh and final season of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. The episode aired on April 29, 2003 on UPN. Plot The citizens of Sunnydale flee en masse to escape the Hellmouth and Sun ...
", the Potentials lose trust in Buffy and appoint Faith as their leader instead, a decision that literally blows up in their faces. As Drew Goddard explains, "Faith is like the cool aunt that everyone loves, because the cool aunt doesn't have the responsibility of raising the children. She just gets to show up and have fun. The problem is, Faith is not ready to lead. She's damaged in her own way. She's just beginning to pull herself together. As much as she wants to be Buffy, she has to learn how to become Faith." When writing ''Go Ask Malice'', author Robert Joseph Levy encountered a number of issues to negotiate in writing a back-story for Faith. One of these was retaining the mystery of the character; Levy explains many aspects of Faith's background, such as her delinquency and promiscuity, are supposed to be assumed by the viewers of the show, and he didn't want to spell everything out by writing a "case study" of her. In order to do something non-traditional, Levy chose to tell the story in a diary format, watching many episodes of the television series to get a hold on the natural cadence of her voice. He reveals he looked to Faith herself in order to overcome his fear of writing such a popular character, "She's not hesitant and in a lot of ways, I took a lot of inspiration from the character itself in terms of creative process — to really go for it and be strong in my choices".


Appearances

Faith has 105 canonical appearances in the Buffyverse.


Television

Eliza Dushku guest starred as Faith in 26 episodes of television. ; ''
Buffy the Vampire Slayer ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' is an American supernatural fiction, supernatural drama television series created by writer and director Joss Whedon. The concept is based on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film), 1992 film, also written by Whedon, a ...
'' * Season 3 (1998–99): ''
Faith, Hope & Trick "Faith, Hope & Trick" is the third episode of season three of the television show ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. This episode introduces the character Faith, another vampire slayer, who will become a key player in Sunnydale. While the rest of th ...
'', ''
Beauty and the Beasts "Beauty and the Beasts" is the fourth episode of season three of the horror-drama television show ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. It was written by Marti Noxon, directed by James Whitmore, Jr., and first broadcast on The WB on October 20, 1998. ...
'', ''
Homecoming Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence. It is a tradition in many high schools, colleges, and churches in the United States and Canada. United St ...
'', '' Revelations'', ''
Amends "Amends" is episode ten of season three of the television show ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. It was written and directed by series creator Joss Whedon. Advertised as a Christmas episode, it was first broadcast on The WB on December 15, 1998. A ...
'', ''
The Zeppo "The Zeppo" is episode thirteen of season three of '' Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. It was written by Dan Vebber, directed by James Whitmore, Jr., and first broadcast on The WB on January 26, 1999. Feeling left out by the gang, Xander ends up ac ...
'', '' Bad Girls'', ''
Consequences Consequence may refer to: Philosophy, science and social sciences * Logical consequence, also known as a ''consequence relation'', or ''entailment'' * Consequent, in logic, the second half of a hypothetical proposition or consequences * Consequent ...
'', ''
Doppelgängland "Doppelgangland" is the sixteenth episode of the third season of the fantasy television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1997–2003). It was written and directed by the show's creator, Joss Whedon, and originally aired on The WB in the Uni ...
'', ''
Enemies Enemies or foes are a group that is seen as forcefully adverse or threatening. Enemies may also refer to: Literature * ''Enemies'' (play), a 1906 play by Maxim Gorky * ''Enemies, A Love Story'', a 1966 novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer * '' Enem ...
'', ''
Choices A choice is the range of different things from which a being can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models. Freedom of choice is generally cherished, whereas a severely limited or artificially restricted choice c ...
'', '' Graduation Day, Part One'', '' Graduation Day, Part Two'' * Season 4 (2000): '' This Year's Girl'', '' Who Are You?'' * Season 7 (2003): ''
Dirty Girls "Dirty Girls" is the 18th episode of the seventh and final season of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. The episode aired on April 15, 2003, on UPN. Plot A young Potential Slayer, Shannon, is chased through the woods by Bring ...
'', ''
Empty Places "Empty Places" is the 19th episode of the seventh and final season of the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer''. The episode aired on April 29, 2003 on UPN. Plot The citizens of Sunnydale flee en masse to escape the Hellmouth and Sun ...
'', '' Touched'', ''
End of Days End of days may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''End of Days'' (film), a 1999 supernatural film * '' Carnival: At the End of Days'', an upcoming fantasy film Music * '' The End of Days'', a 2010 album by Abney Park * ''En ...
'', '' Chosen'' ; ''
Angel An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
'' * Season 1 (2000): ''
Five by Five A signal strength and readability report is a standardized format for reporting the strength of the radio signal and the readability (quality) of the radiotelephone (voice) or Wireless telegraphy, radiotelegraph (Morse code) signal transmitted by ...
'', ''
Sanctuary A sanctuary, in its original meaning, is a sacred space, sacred place, such as a shrine, protected by ecclesiastical immunity. By the use of such places as a haven, by extension the term has come to be used for any place of safety. This seconda ...
'' * Season 2 (2000): ''
Judgment Judgement (or judgment) is the evaluation of given circumstances to make a decision. Judgement is also the ability to make considered decisions. In an informal context, a judgement is opinion expressed as fact. In the context of a legal trial ...
'' * Season 4 (2003): '' Salvage'', ''
Release Release may refer to: * Art release, the public distribution of an artistic production, such as a film, album, or song * Legal release, a legal instrument * News release, a communication directed at the news media * Release (ISUP), a code to i ...
'', ''
Orpheus In Greek mythology, Orpheus (; , classical pronunciation: ) was a Thracians, Thracian bard, legendary musician and prophet. He was also a renowned Ancient Greek poetry, poet and, according to legend, travelled with Jason and the Argonauts in se ...
''


Comics

Faith has appeared in 79 canonical issues of comics. ; ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' * Season 8 (2007, 2009–11): ''No Future for You'', ''Safe'', ''Retreat'', ''Turbulence'', ''Twilight'', ''Last Gleaming'' * Season 9 (2013): ''Willow: Wonderland, Part 4'' * Season 10 (2014): ''New Rules, Parts 1-2'' * Season 11 (2017): ''Ordinary People'', ''The Great Escape'', ''Crimes Against Nature'', ''Revelations'', ''One Girl in All the World'' * Season 12 (2018): ''One Year Later'', ''Future Shock'', ''The Reckoning'', ''Finale'' ; ''Angel & Faith'' *Season 9 (2011–13): ''Live Through This'', ''In Perfect Harmony'', ''Daddy Issues'', ''Women of a Certain Age'', ''Family Reunion'', ''Death and Consequences'', ''Spike and Faith'', ''What You Want Not What You Need'' *Season 10 (2014–16): ''Where the River Meets the Sea'', ''Lost and Found'', ''United'', ''Those Who Can't Teach, Teach Gym'', ''A Little More than Kin'', ''A Tale of Two Families'' ; Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Boom - Universe) (2019–2022) * ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15 - #25'' * ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Faith'' * ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer 25th Anniversary Special'' ; The Vampire Slayer *''The Vampire Slayer #2 #4 #5 #7 #8''


See also

*
Women warriors in literature and culture The portrayal of women warriors in literature and popular culture is a subject of study in history, literary studies, film studies, folklore history, and mythology. The archetypal figure of the woman warrior is an example of a normal thing t ...


References


External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Faith (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) Angel (1999 TV series) characters Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters American female characters in television Female characters in comics Fictional characters from Boston Fictional characters from the 20th century Fictional female assassins Fictional henchmen Fictional prison escapees Fictional victims of child abuse Slayers (Buffyverse) Television characters introduced in 1998