Stefan’s older brother, Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), is the chaotic, dark, and deliciously snarky counterpart. The brothers share a tragic history going back to the Civil War, fueled by their love for a woman who looks exactly like Elena—a doppelgänger named Katherine Pierce (also played by Nina Dobrev).
At its heart, is a gothic romance. High school student Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), still reeling from the recent death of her parents, finds herself drawn to the mysterious new student, Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Little does she know that Stefan is a century-old vampire, and he isn't alone. vampire diaries full series
The travelers, doppelgänger lore, and the return of Katherine as a dying human. It’s chaotic but features some of the most emotional deaths (Nina Dobrev’s exit as Elena is temporarily written in). High school student Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), still
: Paul Wesley, Zach Roerig (Matt), and Michael Trevino (Tyler) all originally auditioned for the role of Damon. It’s chaotic but features some of the most
After a weaker season 5, season 6 soars. The "Prison World" with Kai Parker (Chris Wood)—a sociopathic, terrifying witch—is a masterpiece. This season also gives us the beautiful "You’re the epic love of my life" goodbye between Damon and Bonnie.
Things get weird (in the best way). The "Other Side"—a purgatory for supernatural beings—is collapsing. We meet the "Travelers," witches who want to destroy magic. Season 5 also gives fans the gift of a lighter tone in the "100th episode," where Katherine gets a redemption arc. However, it is also the season where Elena takes a back seat for much of the narrative, setting up the show's major shift in Season 6.