The Vampire Diaries television series, produced by Warner Brothers from 2009 to 2017, was based on the popular book series by L.J. Smith. Originally written in the early 1990s, the series told the dark, gothic tale of a human teenage girl torn between two vampire brothers. 

The Show Inverts Typical Love Triangle Tropes

The CW series took the basic characters, structure, and setting of the original book series, but added new twists. For example, In the show Elena Gilbert has a high-school age brother named Jeremy, who becomes a vampire hunter. In the book series, Elena has a baby sister named Margaret. 

The central narrative focuses on the love triangle between human teen Elena (Nina Dobrev) and vampire brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). Stefan and Damon were humans who lived in Mystic Falls in 1864, before transitioning into vampires. Stefan represents the good side of the vampire spectrum, as a reformed killer who survives on animal blood. Bad boy Damon kills and feeds without conscience or consequence. 

Elena’s romance with Stefan is explored in the show’s first three seasons, while Damon is an antagonist in their relationship. These first two seasons position Stefan as a hero and Damon as a villain, highlighting them as foils and rivals. Elena and Damon’s romantic relationship begins in season four and continues through Dobrev’s exit from the show in season seven. 

The love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Damon is further complicated by the show’s backstory. Katherine, the vampire who sired Stefan and Damon, enters the narrative in season two. Katherine is Elena’s doppelgänger, and they look exactly alike, which further complicates the love triangle. Dobrev portrayed both Katherine and Elena on the show, skillfully taking on the two distinct and iconic roles. 

The central narrative of a human caught between two vampires inverts once Katherine arrives in season two. The 19th-century triangle shows vampire Katherine manipulating the affections of the human Salvatore brothers. The present-day love triangle shows a human Elena caught between the undead Salvatore brothers. In both narratives, Wesley and Somerhalder play their characters so emphatically and convincingly that there is no clear winner for Elena’s affection.

The Vampire Diaries has the Hallmarks of Classic Gothic Romances

The Vampire Diaries has the hallmarks of a classic gothic romance. Mystic Falls has a spooky, atmospheric setting. The town’s long, complicated history and genealogy provide opportunities to explore different plotlines. Scenes are frequently set in the spooky, foreboding forest. Many of the homes are old, gothic mansions. The Salvatore Boarding House and Lockwood Mansion are prominent, spooky settings on the show. Setting plays an important role in the narrative since vampires must be invited into a home in order to enter it.  

A gothic romance also heavily features Byronic heroes and a damsel in distress. Stefan and Damon have features of classic Byronic heroes. They have magnetic charm, yet a mysterious, brooding demeanour that sets them apart. Elena takes on the damsel role, often needing to be rescued from the various troubles she finds herself in. As the series progresses, Elena takes on a more active role and often ends up saving Stefan and Damon from various threats.

Supernatural elements are prominent in a gothic romance. Throughout its eight-season run, The Vampire Diaries’ plot included vampires, werewolves, witches, ghosts, and sirens. Each of these supernatural creatures had powers that wreaked havoc on the characters and provided obstacles to the love triangle in the central narrative. 

The ominous setting, supernatural elements, and compelling characters make The Vampire Diaries stand out as a modern gothic romance.   

Also Read: What We Do In The Shadows & Unusual Vampires

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Small towns have histories, which broaden storytelling potential.

Small-town dramas are appealing because their history has more storytelling potential. On One Tree Hill Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) are rival half-brothers. Their dynamic relationship structures the show’s plot. Basketball, romance, and competition for their father’s affection fuel their rivalry. The history and relationships of Lucas and Nathan’s parents shape the town’s backstory. It also provides a blueprint for the audience to follow as they watch the characters develop. 

On Riverdale, the main cast’s relatives grew up in the titular town. The residents’ history ties in with the current storylines, expanding the boundaries of storytelling. Archie (KJ Apa), Jughead (Cole Sprouse), Betty (Lili Reinhart), Veronica (Camila Mendes), and Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) are affected by the choices their parents made in Riverdale of the past. Many of the storylines in the first four seasons explore the characters’ parallels to their parents. In season six, Riverdale’s ancient history connects to the supernatural drama brewing in the town.

The setting becomes its own character, symbolizing the values of the town and its residents.

The setting of small-town dramas remains consistent, which gives the audience a sense of comfort and belonging. The settings of these shows are so distinctive they become characters of their own. While homes, schools, and jobs are featured heavily in small-town shows, there is always at least one location that symbolizes the heart and soul of the town. 

In One Tree Hill’s pilot episode, Lucas and Nathan face off for the first time at the Rivercourt. This basketball court becomes a symbolic, safe space for characters to process the drama that unfolds around them. Over the years, the Rivercourt becomes an iconic place where characters have pivotal breakthroughs. 

Tree Hill is also home to Tric, the nightclub where residents gather to hear musicians perform. Tric hosted stars like Michelle Branch, Jimmy Eat World, and Fall Out Boy. Since music plays a pivotal role in Peyton (Hilarie Burton) and Haley’s (Bethany Joy Lenz) storylines, having a place where popular musicians could share music with characters and fans alike was an immersive experience.  

On Riverdale, Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe is the most iconic location on the show. Stylized like a diner from the 1950s, it becomes a place of refuge for the cast from the drama at home. It’s also a place where characters can gather to plan, scheme, and hide from trouble. Pop’s Chock’Lit Shoppe symbolizes the heart of Riverdale’s community, and its residents work tirelessly to protect it from closure.  

Secondary characters add diversity and nuance to the established setting.

No small town would be complete without its residents. Secondary characters breathe new life into the already-established dynamics of the main cast, making storylines fresh and more interesting to watch. While the camera initially focuses on the main cast, secondary characters can develop lives of their own, reaching more audience members.  

On One Tree Hill the Rivercourt basketball players were so well-received by fans, they got storylines of their own. Skills Taylor (Antwon Tanner) started on One Tree Hill as a friend of Lucas, who provided sage advice amid the drama of Lucas’ story arc. By season four, Skills became a regular cast member, with a backstory and love interest of his own. Skills’ entry into the main cast was meaningful because he was the first Black character introduced in the show’s pilot episode.

On season two of Riverdale, Toni Topaz (Vanessa Morgan) and Fangs Fogarty (Drew Ray Tanner) entered the scene as members of the Southside Serpents gang. Originally, friends of main cast member Jughead, they were so beloved by fans that they became season regulars. Toni and Fangs’ chemistry with other cast members and viewpoints as diverse characters made them more interesting to watch on screen, which resonated with fans.

Also Read: Risk Vs Reward: Recasting Leads In Film & TV Shows

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