Charles Gunn

Charles Gunn is a character in the television series Angel, created by Joss Whedon and first introduced by writer Gary Campbell in the episode "War Zone." The character is portrayed by J. August Richards and named by Whedon after filmmaker James Gunn and actor Sean Gunn, both of whom had worked with Whedon. Gunn is initially presented as the leader of a street gang that defends its neighborhood from vampires. Biography Character history Gunn grew up in the Badlands, an environment of poverty and violence, where he had to face many challenges. Gunn used his street smarts and fighting skills to protect his community from vampire attacks. As a teenager, Gunn became the leader of a group of street fighters who fought against vampires in his neighborhood. Possessing the mind of a military strategist and the strength of a brawler, life in the city hardened Gunn to the extent that his life became less important than the cause, resulting in him trading his soul for a truck in a deal with a demon named Jenoff when he was only seventeen because he believed he had no future (cf. "Double or Nothing"). Angel Investigations Gunn is introduced in the Season One episode "War Zone", when he observes the vampire Angel roughing up a blackmailer and tries, unsuccessfully, to dust him. Later on, a gang of vampires, who are at war with Gunn's group, attack their hideout, kidnapping several group members in the process, including Gunn's sister Alonna. Eventually, Angel wins Gunn's trust, but not in time to save Alonna from turning into a vampire. Left with no choice, Gunn stakes his own sister—a decision that continues to haunt him through the series. Alonna's death had a profound impact on Gunn, causing him to re-evaluate his priorities and seek help from Angel. Angel recognizes Gunn's strength and often calls on him if he needs backing up in battle or if he needs protection for the people he cares about when he cannot protect them himself. Although he initially regards his time with Angel Investigations as a "paying side gig," Gunn eventually becomes a full-time member of the gang, gaining mutual respect for those he fights side-by-side with while finding his place in the world. However, his work with his new 'family' often leads to conflicted loyalties; in the episode "Belonging", Cordelia is accidentally sucked into a portal to Pylea while a member of Gunn's old street crew, George, succumbs to the bite of a vampire.