Page "Xander Harris" Paragraph 2

Academic attention to the character has frequently come in the form of gender studies or with a focus on social class, reflecting Xander's working class home life and his fears of inadequacy.

However, Xander's unique position as both outside of and within the main group enhances his insight into the other characters, especially as the series continues ; in Season Eight, he is Buffy's unofficial " Watcher ".

As such, his character is noted for being the one who observes and sees everything rightly.

Critics have noted that although Xander frequently exhibits a struggle of masculinity, his storylines often focus on his romantic conquests.

Following his unrequited love for Buffy, these include the tumultuous relationship with rich girl Cordelia Chase ( Charisma Carpenter ), brief fling with his best friend Willow ( Alyson Hannigan ) prior to her coming out, and his long-term relationship with ex-demon Anya ( Emma Caulfield ).

In Season Eight, the character's older-brother relationship with Buffy's little sister Dawn ( Michelle Trachtenberg ) also develops along romantic lines, too late for Buffy to realise her compatibility with Xander.