Gabriel Gray, more commonly known by his
pseudonym Sylar, is a fictional character and a primary
antagonist of the
NBC drama Heroes. Portrayed by
Zachary Quinto, he is a
superpowered serial killer who targets other
superhumans in order to steal their powers. He served as the primary
villain of the first season and then as a recurring antagonist. Over the course of seasons two, three and four, the writers depicted Sylar attempting at various times and under different circumstances to become a hero or curb his desire to kill, undergoing relapses at various stages. In the series'
penultimate episode he experienced over three years of penitence within a mental prison, and later identifies himself as a hero in what became the show's
series finale due to cancellation.