Potential Slayer

Potential slayers are fictional characters created by Joss Whedon for the cult television programs, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

Potential slayers are usually young girls who are poised to become the next Slayer at any moment. They have a greater co-ordination than normal human teenagers and other minor supernatural powers, but nowhere near the abilities of an active slayer. It is noted that battling vampires comes particularly naturally to them.

These girls can sometimes be identified by the Watchers Council where a new Watcher is dispatched to guide and train them, should they be called to be the slayer. Other times, the girl is completely oblivious to her calling, and remains that way unless she is activated as the new "chosen one". Buffy Summers was one such potential, only becoming aware of her status when her predecessor was killed and her first Watcher, Merrick, found her.