The Vampire Diaries: Three hearts. Two immortal. One torn.

Three hearts. Two immortal. One torn.

Meet the three points of a perilous vampire love triangle.

Fans of L.J. Smith's Vampire Diaries series know that the perilous love triangle on TV is even more intense and tangled in the books. Stefan Salvatore searched for redemption in vain for centuries, until he came upon Fell’s Church and discovered Elena Gilbert. Brooding and mysterious, Stefan tries to resist Elena, if only to protect her from himself and his vengeful brother, Damon. Elena's destiny is intertwined with the Salvatores', and neither of them can resist her.


Elena Gilbert



In the books, Elena is blond with eyes of lapis lazuli blue, the color of Stefan's ring. She trusts no one more than her psychic best friend Bonnie, and Meredith, a character known only to TVD readers. Meeting Stefan sends Elena on a journey that challenges her to find the light within and plunges her into darkness.


Age: Seventeen
Hometown: Fell's Church, Virginia
Birth Era: Late twentieth century
Strongest traits: Loyalty, beauty, and passion
Greatest regret: Not knowing her own heart
Deepest desire: To know which brother she's truly meant to be with


Stefan Salvatore



Despite his dark and brooding good looks—and the fact that he's a vampire—Stefan Salvatore is a sensitive romantic. Stefan's life dates back to the Renaissance in the novels, but despite his wisdom and experience, he's still weak when it comes to resisting Elena. He fights his desire and will do anything to protect her—even from himself.


Age: Immortal
Hometown: Florence, Italy
Birth era: Italian Renaissance
Strongest traits: Classically handsome with piercing green eyes
Greatest regret: Tortured by his vampirism and the death of his first love
Deepest desire: Hopes his love for Elena will redeem him


Damon Salvatore




Ian Somerhalder's television portrayal is faithful to the charming, handsome, hedonist of L.J. Smith's creation. Damon loves the undead life and all that it entails, and we're never quite sure if we should love him or hate him. He leaves countless broken hearts in his wake, but the heart Damon desires most is Elena's.


Age: Immortal
Place of origin: Florence, Italy
Birth era: Italian Renaissance
Strongest traits: Arrogant, charming and seductive, but known to keep his word
Greatest regret: None
Deepest desire: To crown Elena his princess of darkness