The Vampire Diaries Book vs Show. Major gaps in books & series.

The Vampire Diaries falls among the most watched web series worldwide. But very few people know that it is totally different from the books. I’ve streamed all 8 seasons and read all the books. Hence, it is my duty to expel the variance between the two. You won’t believe it, but the show has quite a number of dissimilarities as compared to the books that every fan must know. So, let’s start with the The Vampire Diaries Book vs. Show comparison, which will obviously be unbiased.

The vampire diaries book vs shows

major Discussions on The Vampire Diaries Book vs show

  • Character portrayals and motivations
  • Plot points and supernatural elements
  • overall tone and themes

Character portrayals and motivations

Elena Gilbert: In books, Elena is a typical teenage girl who is engaged with typical teenage problems along with the supernatural. Unlikely in the show, she is more active and the epicenter of the plot in almost every episode of season 5. In books Elena is having blond hair with typical “all American girl looks,” while in the show she is a brunette.

Stefan Salvatore: In books, the Stefan is more dark and brooding, while in the show he appears to be more charming and kind. He seems hopeful and redeemable in the show. In books, he is portrayed with the green eyes and long hair. On the contrary, the character is more edgy and modern, with darker hair and intense eyes. In web series, Stefan appears to be more mysterious than books. Thus, there is a lot of gap between the character portrayals of Stefan in The Vampire Diaries book vs show.

Damon Salvatore The vampire Diaries book vs show

Damon Salvatore: In books, Damon Salvatore is almost a villain, while in the series he is first an anti-hero, and then for the rest of the season he is portrayed as a hero. In the show, he explores his complex personality and has deep emotions for Elena right from the beginning, which shows his capacity for the emotions. In books he’s having a more rebellious and rugged look, while in the show he’s quite handsome, dashing, and young.

Caroline Forbes: In the books, Caroline appears to be a typical mean character. On the other hand, there is huge character development seen in the show. The show depicts her journey from being a mean and insecure girl to a selfless, independent character who everyone is fond of. In books she is self-obsessed, while in series Candice King plays a more sophasticated and stylish look.

Some other significant character gaps

Bonnie Bennett: In books, Bonnie is only a witch who only focuses on her magic and spells. On the contrary, Kat Graham, with her huge glamour and style, creates a powerful impact. Bonnie shows more improvement with the progression of episodes, which makes it more captivating and engaging. She sacrifices herself, goes through various themes of grief, and develops a selflessness in herself. While none of the qualities seem to appear in the book. When it comes to the show, Bonnie falls among the most beloved characters. Thus here the huge gap is witnessed when it comes to the vampire diaries book vs show.

Alaric Slatzman: In books, Alaric has not a major part to play. He’s a minor antagonist, a vampire hunter who now and then plots to kill Elena. In the show, Alaric appears to be a more kind and sound-minded guy with a tragic backstory about his wife Isobel. In the show, Alaric is among the main characters who turns out to be a guardian and father figure for Elena and her friends and his evolution from becoming an enemy to an ally.

Huge difference in the character of Klaus Mikaelson: The Vampire Diaries book vs show.

Klaus Mikealson The vampire diaries Book vs show

Klaus Mikealson: In books Klaus is the only child of his father mikael with no other siblings. He is the original vampire with shapeshifting abilities and super-strength. In the show, Klaus has 4 other siblings, with the eldest being Elijah, and then Rebeccaah, Kol, and Finn. This together forms the original family. In show Klaus also has a werewolf gene, which makes him the only hybrid at the beginning. The show depicts Klaus with additional features and more force as compared to the books. In books, there is no romantic relationship between Caroline and Klaus. On the other hand, in the show, Klaus has an interesting bad-boy relationship with Caroline, which then ships as ‘Klaroline’, becoming a major part of the show.

In the books, Klaus is the only villain with the thirst for power and an abomination with no hope of redemption. On the other hand, Klaus carries out a huge legacy behind him. From becoming an absolute villain to an anti-hero and then carrying out a perfect father in the originals, it is an absolute cinema. The redemption arc lasts a season to portray him as a savior and maker.

Plot points and supernatural elements

The history of the vampires: The book has no major references to the past. On the other hand, the show has an in-depth history of each character. This makes the show more relying and captivating. The history of augustine vampires, travellers, witches, and originals is meticulously crafted.

The role of the doppelganger: In books there is less reference to the term doppelganger. While 70% of the series revolves around the concept. Whether it be stefan or elena, the doppelgangers have quite a role in the series. I would gladly accept if somebody says it also initiated character arcs.

The supernatural elements: There are fewer or minor mentions about other supernatural creatures in the book. Unlikely in the show, witches, hybrids, sirens, travellers, and werewolves have equal part in the plot as vampires do. Everybody’s presence and importance are duly noted. This is what makes Show a better creative piece vs books.

House of Dragon vs Game of Thrones Dragons: A detailed comparison.

The cure: There is minimal mention about the cure in the books. In the books, its more of a myth or fiction when it comes to cure. But, in the show, there is a whole season dwindled towards it. Kudos to the storywriters.

Tones and Theme: The vampire diaries book vs Show

Humor: The show adds more humor to the script than the books, making it more real and relatable. The humor adds a lighter tone to the often dark, intense, and serious storyline.

Romance: Both the books and series have a lover triangle in common. But the show has more emphasis on love, loss, sacrifice, and mental health.

Family and Bonding: The book has basic information about each and every family, which makes it enough for reading. But the show delves deeper into the family history and bonding among friends and families, which makes it quite understandable and relatable. This is what you need from a show, and they’ve served it quite effortlessly.

Bonding, The vampire diaries book vs show

Conclusion: The vampire Diaries Book vs Show

No doubt, the show is inspired by the books, but it is much more detailed. There are times when you thank the makers for improvising. If you’re going to read books first, then it’s ok, but don’t read books after completing 8 seasons; you might not be able to relate again to the characters as you’ve already pictured them in your mind from the shows. The show is available on both Amazon Prime and Netflix.

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