The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural drama-horror television series developed by Kevin Williamson, based on the book series of the same name by L. J. Smith. The series follows the events in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, a fictional small town haunted by supernatural beings. In this town lives a seventeen year old young woman named Elena Gilbert, portrayed by Nina Dobrev, who perfectly resembles Katherine Pierce, a vampire who lived in Mystic Falls in the 19th century. In 1864, Katherine was loved by two brothers: Stefan, portrayed by Paul Wesley and Damon Salvatore, portrayed by Ian Somerhalder, and she actually felt only a deep affection for them (which is what vampires believe is love). Because she was unable to choose the one whom she wanted to spend centuries with, she turned them both down. As vampires, Stefan and Damon lived very different lives: Stefan started seeking redemption for his past sins, for a yet unknown reason; while Damon found in the evil side his true nature, still able to be loyal and feel affection, he became an amoral, vicious, sadistic, careless evil vampire. The return of the Salvatore vampires in Mystic Falls and Stefan's joining Elena's life creates havoc in the town.