 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2012) |
| The First Evil | |
|---|---|
| Buffy the Vampire Slayer character | |
| First appearance | "Amends" (1998) |
| Last appearance | "Chosen" (2003) |
| Created by | Joss Whedon |
| Portrayed by | Robia LaMorte Cornelia Hayes O'Herlihy Edward Edwards Shane Barach Adam Busch Clare Kramer George Hertzberg Harry Groener Juliet Landau Mark Metcalf Sarah Michelle Gellar Azura Skye Kristine Sutherland James Marsters Danny Strong Amanda Fuller K. D. Aubert Lalaine Carrie Southworth Nathan Fillion |
| In-universe information | |
| Classification | Higher deity, The Devil |
| Notable powers | Assumes form of anyone that has died Can bestow superhuman strength and durability Limited reality warping Beyond life and death, thus truly immortal. |
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 seventh and final season.
A being manifested from all evil in existence, the First is an incorporeal entity that can assume the appearance of any person who has died (however briefly) – including vampires and humans who have been resurrected. Over the course of the series, and depending upon its audience, it takes various guises as a method of deception and manipulation – for example, the First usually appears as Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) to the Slayer and her allies, but it also assumes the forms of Warren Mears, Spike, Drusilla and Jonathan Levinson on multiple occasions, among a variety of other forms taken less frequently.
Its only real weakness is that it is non-corporeal, and therefore cannot cause any real physical damage. It is expert at psychological manipulation, and can act through its servants, such as the Bringers, Turok-Han, Caleb or whatever person it can manage to influence.