[tps_header]Alaric Saltzman and Matt Donovan[/tps_header]
Matt and Alaric tend to be forgotten when it comes to talking about the central characters, but the two have managed to survive and have a lasting impact in the show whether the audience realizes it or not. Matt has been the golden boy since season 1, he dated Elena prior to the first episode and deals with the death of his sister Vicki, who was turned into a vampire, throughout the season. He has a brief relationship with Caroline and a fling with original vampire Rebekah. In season 7 Matt steps up his game and assumes the role of town sheriff after Elena is placed in her sleeping curse. He falls in love and briefly becomes engaged to fellow officer Penny, but his future is dashed away when he accidentally shoots her while attempting to slay a vampire. In the finale Matt decides that it would best to leave Mystic Falls for good to find happiness.
On the other hand Alaric doesn’t seem to be going anywhere now that he is the sole caregiver of the series’ youngest residents in season 7, twins Josie and Lizzie, after is fiancee Jo dies. The character has come a long way since his position as a history teacher/vampire hunter in season 1 and is looking to be a major player once season 8 premieres.
The Vampire Diaries returns Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. on The CW.
