character study: Anya, life and death of

[avrelia]

This is the character study of Anya. I believe it has a place in this community because it started for me with the realization that Anya did in fact had a well-realized character arc in season 7, and an interesting and meaningful character story throughout the series (also the moderator told me I can do it). Anya’s story was uniquely hers, yet

Comments

[frelling_tralk]

That was excellent :)

[avrelia]

Thank you. ;)

[lillianmorgan]

What a good overview of Anya's character, and particularly her role in Season 7. I do agree how easy it is to overlook that; how she took care of the house and kept things running behind the scenes.
“Forgiveness makes us human.” - Those who are forgiven, or those who forgive? She didn’t know. She was human now. Was she forgiven?
Very good question and true to Anya, but also for us too. Can we explain what it really means to be human?
Yes, they weren’t especially nice to her. But was she nice?
Good point. They all had their flaws and their redemptive qualities. That's what makes them human (or near to!).
Thanks for posting this here, I enjoyed reading it.

[avrelia]

yes- intersting that so many times we can see her doing something housekeepeing, and it usually never gets noticed. I think Anya picked it up herself - just seems something she would do.

Can we explain what it really means to be human?

there probably more answers than humans. ;)

[dasugraphics]

"She missed only one blow."

That made me tear up. :(

Anya was my favorite character on the show and your study does her justice. Bravo.

[avrelia]

thank you.

I hoped to be fair to Anya - but there can be said so much more!

and she really fought damn well.

[sylva_rerum]

Excellent overview! You really laid out all the reasons why I love Anya so, and especially why I love her arc from late season 6 to Selfless. The end of that episode makes me cry every time. ::sniffle::

[avrelia]

Thank you. I love Anya, and it was intersting to pick up her story throughout the series.

[untitleddemo]

What a lovely study of such a marvelous character. Anya's storyline in season 7 is one of my very favorites on BtVS. Selfless in particular really brings me to such levels of emotion.

I think it's interesting that Anya went about trying to fit herself into a human mold, to fit in, to gain acceptance. I think in her mind she finally achieved it, as evidenced in her conversation with Andrew during End of Days: Andrew: "You are the perfect woman." Anya: "I've often thought so."

“Forgiveness makes us human.” - Those who are forgiven, or those who forgive? She didn’t know. She was human now. Was she forgiven?

My favorite bit. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this wonderful character with us!

[avrelia]

Anya: "I've often thought so."

Interesting line, isn't it? Anya questions being human and her decision to be human so often, and yet feels she got it.