Buffy The Vampire Slayer: 12 Best Cult Heroes
9. Tara Maclay
A lot, quite rightly, is made of Willow and Tara as an important couple in TV history - being one of the first lesbian couples on US television - but what people talk about much less is Tara the character.
That is a shame as she is one of the most consistently characterized Scoobies. Most of them have, now and again, a poorly-judged storyline that betrays their character in some way (hey, it happens) but Tara is always Tara.
She also has one of the best character growths, going from a shy introvert to confident and integral member of the gang. Tara doesn't often get the funniest line or hog the spotlight but she is the team's rock throughout seasons four to six, particularly Willow's as she helps keep her increasing magic addiction grounded.
Ultimately we find that out for the worse after Tara's shocking death, when Willow spirals out of control.