Winnifred Sparks

Sparks (first name unknown) was the librarian of Cleveland West Middle School, Watcher of Buffy Summers, and a member of the Scooby Gang.

Biography
As her Watcher, Sparks revealed Buffy about her destiny as the Slayer, as well as guided her demonology studies and physically trained her. Due to the Slayer’s inexperience and young age, Sparks would also accompany Buffy in her patrols, even staking the occasional vampire. Initially, she warned Buffy about separating her social life and Slayer duties, but eventually took mentoring of her friends — the witch Sarafina and werewolf Alvaro —, as part of the Scooby Gang.

Sparks wore ties with different patterns daily, played Jewel Swap on the computer, was allergic to dogs (which includes werewolves), loved paper crows since she was a child, considered herself a book and history nerd (not a science nerd), was lactose intolerant, and was seem by the school administration as “something of a zany figure.”

Behind the scenes

 * The character of Miss Sparks is largely a reference to Rupert Giles, as both were school librarians, Buffy’s Watchers, and assumed the role of mentors of the Scooby Gang. Notably, the two would even share the same quotes: “When I said you could have a social life and be the Slayer, I did not mean at the same time.” and “It should simply be plunge, and move on. Plunge and…” from "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date", as well as “We are doomed.” from "The Harvest".

Appearances

 * "New School Nightmare"