Rupert Giles is a fictional character and primary mentor created by Joss Whedon for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, portrayed by Anthony Stewart Head. He functions as Buffy Summers’ Watcher, a high school librarian, and a surrogate father figure to the young Slayer.Initially introduced as a quintessential, tweed-wearing, uptight British academic, Giles possesses vast knowledge of demonology, ancient languages, and the occult. Beneath his mild-mannered exterior lies a complex history; as a rebellious youth at Oxford, he dabbled dangerously in dark magic and earned the intimidating moniker "Ripper", a hidden edge he occasionally taps into when extreme stakes demand ruthless pragmatism.Over the course of the series, Giles evolves from an official operative of the rigid Watchers' Council into a fiercely independent ally. His relationship with Buffy deepens past professional obligation into profound familial love, leading him to repeatedly defy bureaucratic council orders and even temporarily leave Sunnydale to allow Buffy space to mature into an autonomous adult.Giles anchors the core group of heroes—the Scooby Gang—providing not just mystical research and tactical guidance, but the emotional and moral stability required to survive the Hellmouth. His character brilliantly bridges the gap between traditional scholarly authority and modern, fiercely loyal paternal devotion.