brother’s, and though he possesses a somewhat slimmer build, his appearance suggests a similar interest in physical exercise. Other than his classification as undead, he, too, appears to be in excellent health.
Mood, af ect, and interpersonal Characteristics Damon presents as charming, magnetic, and attentive, quite aware of the reaction he gets from others. It is clear the other residents of Mystic Falls—as well as (in the interest of full disclosure) this therapist—respond to his presence and personality. But while Damon can be and frequently is charming, he also has great capacity for violence, both physical and emotional. He uses sarcasm, in addition to fists and fangs, as a weapon.
Like his brother, Damon is adept at reading those around him and, also like his brother, uses that information to achieve his aims. However, while Stefan wants others to like him, Damon cares only about the opinions of a select few.
Though he enjoys attention from others, he appears to 6882 Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls[FIN].indd 121
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receive no satisfaction or sense of self-worth from pleasing others. Damon is clearly the superior of the two in sense of self. He speaks and acts unapologetically, indicating confidence in and acceptance of who he is.
Vampires have the ability to “turn off” their feelings, and initially it appears that Damon has done just this—we see him kill frequently and without remorse, though he appears motivated more by utility than pleasure (in the case of Vicki Donovan, his motivation may even have been pity). However, as his interactions with others in Mystic Falls have increased, his tendency to kill, except in defense of others, has decreased, and he has verbally claimed to again have
“turned on” his ability to feel. Ascertaining whether this is true, or likely to continue, will require further observation.
analysis
During the course of these twenty-two hours we see Damon undergo significant positive transformation, but there is one characteristic that does remain constant: the impact those he cares about have on his self-image and behavior.
Love is a strong motivating favor for Damon, and the majority of his actions are best understood within this frame-work. He is most likely to show his better qualities when acting on behalf of those toward whom he has a strong emotional attachment—his brother, Elena, Katherine—but his willingness to do anything for those individuals can bring out his most destructive qualities as well. And when betrayed, he can lash out viciously, driven by emotions.
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If those he cares for return his regard, however, he demonstrates great capacity for love and loyalty—and for change.
His love for Katherine led to his transformation into a vampire (in addition to other noncharacteristic violent behaviors previous to the change itself), and his love for Elena appears to be the source of his newfound humanity. There is some concern, however, that—just as his interest in becoming a vampire dissipated once he believed Katherine dead—
should Elena spurn him as Katherine did, his commitment to his humanity may fall by the wayside.
Relationship between Stefan and Damon Salvatore Observations
All available information indicates that, before Katherine’s arrival, older brother Damon and younger brother Stefan had a typical fraternal bond: one marked by competitiveness but otherwise warm and supportive. Damon showed physical affection toward Stefan and teased him good-naturedly, and Stefan, in defending his brother’s choice to opt out of combat, demonstrated a similar level of regard for Damon.
The arrival of Katherine Pierce and the events that followed, in particular the events surrounding their transformation into vampires, appear to have altered their relationship. In the present day, their interactions are characterized by hostility but also by moments of concern and protectiveness—moments 6882 Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls[FIN].indd 123
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that increase in frequency as they spend time in each other’s company.
At the start of the season, their relationship is clearly unhealthy and antagonistic. Damon enjoys tormenting Stefan in a fashion that is