Sacrifice (Angel)

Sacrifice, as it relates to Angel, the vampire with a soul in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel television series, is a recurring theme tied to his redemption arc and overall character development. It encompasses both actions Angel takes that involve personal hardship for the benefit of others and the sacrifices made by other characters for him.

Angel's very existence is predicated on a sacrifice: receiving his soul from the Romani people, an event that was meant to cause him eternal torment due to the sheer weight of the evil he had committed as Angelus. This act was itself driven by guilt and a desire, however nascent, for redemption on the part of one of the Romani.

Throughout both series, Angel consistently makes sacrifices, both large and small, to protect the innocent and fight against evil. These sacrifices often involve his personal happiness, potential for relationships, and even his own well-being. He frequently distances himself from those he cares about, including Buffy Summers and Cordelia Chase, believing that his presence would endanger them or hinder their own destinies. His isolation is a significant form of self-imposed sacrifice.

Further, Angel is frequently willing to put himself in harm's way, knowing that his death would have significant repercussions in the ongoing fight against the forces of darkness. He often risks oblivion or eternal torment for the greater good.

Other characters within the Angel universe also make sacrifices for him. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce's choices, often involving morally ambiguous actions done in the belief that they are necessary to protect Angel, are a prime example. Similarly, Cordelia Chase's ascension to a higher plane, and ultimately her tragic demise, can be seen as a sacrifice made to aid Angel in his mission. Even characters like Gunn and Fred make sacrifices, both personal and professional, to be a part of Angel's fight.

Ultimately, the theme of sacrifice in Angel is intertwined with concepts of redemption, responsibility, and the complex choices individuals face when confronted with overwhelming evil. It highlights the personal cost associated with being a champion and the burdens borne by those who strive to do good in a dark world.