Castiel

An Angel of the Lord who brings Dean Winchester back from Hell.

Castiel (; nicknamed "Cas") is a fictional character portrayed by Misha Collins on The CW's American fantasy television series Supernatural. An Angel of the Lord, he first appears in the fourth season and is used to introduce the theme of Christian theology to the series. In the series, Castiel brings Dean Winchester back from Hell and frequently helps him and his brother, Sam, in their battles with various demons and angels along the way. During his travels with the Winchesters, Castiel develops friendships with both men. As an angel, he possesses a number of supernatural abilities, including the ability to kill demons.

Quick Facts

Series

Supernatural

First

"Lazarus Rising" (2008)

Last

"Despair" (2020)

Creator

Eric Kripke

Portrayed by

Misha Collins

Nickname

Cas
Clarence, Unicorn (by Meg)
Feathers (by Crowley)

Species

Angel (Seraph); God

Family

Jack Kline (nephew; dependant)
Angels (siblings)
Chuck (creator/father)

Lore & Background

Initially, the character demonstrates complete devotion to God and little emotion. However, his interactions and experiences with Dean and Sam, as well as certain revelations about God and his fellow angels, have a humanizing effect on him. This, despite the stress and harm it causes his character, allows him to develop an independent will as the series progresses and helps the show address topics related to free will. Unlike the stereotypical portrayal of television angels, Castiel does not always help people, and is willing, at least when he is first introduced, to kill innocents if his superiors deem it necessary. Collins originally read for the part of a demon, as series creator Eric Kripke did not want fans to find out that angels were being introduced to the series. Collins prepared for the role by reading the Book of Revelation and based his portrayal on his younger brother.

Reader's Guide

Castiel is an Angel of the Lord who first appears in the season four premiere "Lazarus Rising", resurrecting Dean Winchester from Hell. He takes a human host – James "Jimmy" Novak – because merely perceiving his actual form typically results in blindness. His initial purpose is to ensure Dean stops Lilith from breaking the 66 seals to free Lucifer. Castiel possesses supernatural abilities including the ability to kill demons, flight, and teleportation, though he loses some powers after rebelling against Heaven, including his ability to heal injuries.

Key moments include: killing two fellow angels to save Sam and Dean in "Sympathy for the Devil"; carving Enochian sigils into Sam and Dean's ribs to hide them from all angels; borrowing Dean's amulet to hunt for God; being imprisoned by Lucifer in "Abandon All Hope..."; losing the power to kill demons; and being susceptible to Famine's influence due to weakened powers. His arc shows him developing doubts about Heaven's plans after Uriel's betrayal and Anna's influence, leading to a full rebellion. He is killed holding off Archangel Raphael but later resurrected, possibly by God.