Internet Q & A
She may be the youngest cast member, but in her first season, 15-year-old Michelle Trachtenberg has managed to blow fans away with her portrayal of Dawn, Buffy's younger sister. While it doesn't hurt that she has had a special bond with Sarah Michelle Gellar since their All My Children days, the bottom line is, this girl can act.

What has it been like working with Sarah again? Has your relationship with her changed at all?
I guess, yeah, it has changed. It's actually a lot better. On All My Children, we kind of had separate storylines, but now we get tacked together. It's all really fun. I absolutely love working with her.

What was it like joining the cast of such an established show?
It was a little bit nerve-racking being the youngest and the newest. But it was wonderful. My first day, everyone literally grasped me up into a big bear hug, and I was accepted into the Buffy family quite quickly and lovingly.

In the recent episode "The Body," Dawn's mother died. How tough was that for you?
It was a great challenge. Not only because Dawn's mother died, but also because of everything Dawn went through discovering that she's the Key. She was this regular 15-year-old girl who was like, Hey, I'm having fun. My sister's the Slayer. Hooray! And all of a sudden, it's like, that's not real; you've only been alive six months. So, I think collectively, with the emotions of the two episodes, it was difficult. But I looked at it as an amazing challenge that could be met.

Speaking of challenges, you going to be driving anytime soon?
If you ask my mom, no. But, yeah, I have to start studying up for my permit very soon, and Sarah has promised that Freddie will teach me to drive. He's a very safe driver. So I can't wait, I'm ready to start vrooming around L.A.

From Cara Ballard in Rockton, Illinois: Wow, Michelle, you've managed to stun my mom and me this season. Kudos! Do you really get into your role?
First of all, thank you very much. That's quite kind. I do my character as a person, an actual person who has her own thoughts. Every day I come to work, I try to jump into Dawn's brain and see how she would react to things. Because we're both very unique.

From Trevs. in Melbourne, Australia: Given the chance, would you prefer kicking butt like Buffy or casting spells like Willow?
I believe Dawn's done a little bit of both. She was kicking and throwing some chairs at some demons--or coat hangers, I guess it was--and she has placed some spells. But I guess I'd go for the sisterly thing and be alongside Buffy.

From JJFlash in Denver, Colorado: Do you get to use any magic, especially any Key-related powers?
I can't tell you guys that. I've got your number. There's actually an episode coming up where you will see some interesting things. Dawn's going to have some fun after her mom's death. The horrible answer is, I guess you're going to have to tune in to see. I'm under lock and key.