Elena Gilbert

“Last time I was here I was so completely in love with Stefan. Now that's barely a memory. Is that the sire bond or just that I'm so happy to be here with you?” – Elena to Damon (in O Come, All Ye Faithful).

Elena Gilbert is the heroine, the protagonist and is the main female character of The Vampire Diaries. She is an 18 year old vampire who was recently turned with the help of Damon's blood. She lives in the supernatural town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, in the Salvatore Boarding House with her new boyfriend, Damon Salvatore.  She was living with her adoptive brother and biological cousin, Jeremy at 2104 Maple Street but due of his hunter issues she had to move out. She is best friends with Caroline Forbes and Bonnie Bennett. Elena had an on-and-off romantic relationship with Stefan Salvatore, a 165 year old vampire until losing him when he gave himself over to Klaus in exchange for the cure to a werewolf bite caused by hybrid blood, to save Damon Salvatore, his brother.

However she is now in a romantic relationship with Stefan's older brother, Damon, who is both dangerous and seductive. He is in love with her and ever since becoming a vampire, her feelings for him have grown stronger. She attends Mystic Falls High School, where she is a former cheerleader, honor student, and one of the most popular girls in the school. Elena wants to become a great writer; she stated this in a conversation with Stefan, and she has a diary in which she writes everything that happens in her life. She was originally turned in this direction by her mother. She was given her first diary by her.

Elena has to deal with trying to lead a normal life ever since her adoptive parents died in a car accident. Even if she had never met the Salvatore brothers, or fallen in love with them, she would be in danger due to her being the second Petrova doppelgänger. Stefan unexpectedly saved Elena's life on May 23, 2009 when her adoptive parents' car went off Wickery Bridge. He tried to save her father Grayson, insisted that he save Elena first.

When Stefan pulled Elena out of the car, he was shocked and taken back when he saw that Elena looked like Katherine; he could not believe the uncanny resemblance between the two. Stefan then took Elena to the Mystic Falls Hospital, and had been watching her ever since for about four months, and learning about her to make sure that she is safe and not at all Katherine Pierce, or even mildly like her. Elena said that it was a "miracle" that she had survived such a horrific and tragic car accident and she questioned how it was in any way possible that she survived and made it out of the car. After discovering what a pure heart she had, Stefan realized he could not leave Mystic Falls without knowing her, so began at her school.

After she discovers the secret of the Salvatore brothers, Elena has to deal with the murders and lies in her life as well as supernatural events and characters. She is described as a star student. She is popular, sporty, smart, kindhearted, compassionate, selfless, empathetic, caring, and nice. She can be rather vulnerable and a damsel in distress, although she does possess a strong-willed, determined, passionate and fiery streak.

Now being a vampire, she learns how to be one with the help of her love, Damon, her family, and her friends.

Elena is a member of the Gilbert Family and the Petrova Family.