Angel (played by David Boreanaz) — A vampire over two hundred years old. Known as Angelus during his rampages across Europe, he was cursed with a soul, which gave him a conscience and guilt for centuries of murder and torture. Angel moves to Los Angeles in search of redemption.

Winifred "Fred" Burkle (played by Amy Acker) (3.01-5.15, recurring before) — A young Texan physicist, Fred was trapped for five years in Pylea, a world where humans are enslaved by demons. The harsh life of solitude and serfdom took a serious toll on her social skills and mental health. Angel rescues her and brings her back to L.A.

Connor (played by Vincent Kartheiser) (Season 4, recurring otherwise) — Connor was born the "miracle" human child of two vampires, Angel and Darla. He was subsequently taken to a Hell dimension, where he spent his childhood and much of his adolescence. Connor returns to L.A. as an angry young man.

Illyria (played by Amy Acker) (5.17-5.22) — One of the legendary Old Ones, an original pure demon from the Primordium Age, who ruled territory that included modern-day California. When the Old Ones lost control over this world, Illyria's corpse was placed in a stone sarcophagus, her powers drained and placed in jewels embedded on her coffin. Illyria is able to escape by infecting the body of Fred Burkle.

Cordelia Chase (played by Charisma Carpenter) (Season 1-4, appearing 5.12) — At Sunnydale High, Cordelia was the archetypal shallow cheerleader, who only reluctantly helped the Scooby Gang. She is softened by the loss of her parents' financial support and her failure to find stardom in L.A. Cordelia joins Angel Investigations to assist Angel.

Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (played by Alexis Denisof) (1.10-5.22) — His failure as a Watcher and subsequent sacking from the Watchers' Council lead Wesley to hunt demons. He stumbles across Angel, joins the cause and goes on to lead Angel Investigations.

Lorne (played by Andy Hallett) (4.14-5.22, recurring before) — A demon of the Deathwok Clan, Lorne lives in L.A., running Caritas, a violence-free, demon-friendly karaoke bar. As an empathy demon, he can see into people's souls when they sing and guides them on their path. His full name is Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan.

Harmony Kendall (played by Mercedes McNab) (5.17-5.22, recurring before) — In high school, she was a member of Cordelia Chase's popular clique, the "Cordettes." At her graduation, Harmony was turned into a vampire, but retained her bubbly personality, vapidness, and subservience to stronger-willed people, making her largely incompetent as a vampire. She decides to take up employment with evil law firm Wolfram & Hart, eventually becoming Angel's personal secretary.