For over 1000 years, the demon Anyanka terrorized human males as a vengeance demon, defender of women scorned. In a reality she had created for Cordelia Chase, Anyanka found her power center destroyed, and she became trapped in human form in the ordinary timeline.

Although at first she strove to return to her demon form, refused her by D'Hoffryn who made her so in the first place, she eventually accepted her fate.

A flirtation with Xander Harris began soon. Though he was reluctant to do so, he eventually took Anya to the senior prom. After Anya fled from the mayor's Ascension, she had time to consider their relationship. In a few months, she returned and began dating Xander.

Though once Anya had been human, she seems to have no proper notion of what that was like. She remembers details of her former life, but not (apparently) the spirit of it. (There are indications she may not have been the best human even then.) After 1100 years as a demon, Anya has difficulty adjusting to human society. She rejects normal protocols and conventions. She speaks all thoughts that cross her mind. She comes across as rude and inconsiderate. She's a lot like Cordelia.

Even if Anya has her problems, her love for Xander is a strong human trait. For him, she is willing even to die. Under her boyfriend's guidance, Anya will become human, whether she likes it or not.