The Early Days: Navigating the Unknown
Early Interactions
In the show’s initial episodes, before the intricacies of the supernatural world were fully unveiled, there was a degree of uncertainty. The concept of a vampire wasn’t immediately understood or easily categorized. The characters, especially the human characters like Elena, were thrown into a world they didn’t comprehend. Their primary focus centered on survival and comprehension. The protagonists and the town of Mystic Falls were just beginning to learn what lurked in their midst.
Building Suspense
Initial interactions often relied on cautious observation and tentative descriptions. Words like “creature” or “monster” were sometimes used, reflecting a lack of definitive knowledge. The focus was more on the physical manifestations of their existence—the feeding, the enhanced strength, and the aversion to sunlight. They were things to be feared and understood, rather than categorized and labeled. This initial ambiguity built suspense, allowing the audience to gradually discover the truth alongside the characters. The fear was tangible, a key ingredient to the show’s initial charm.
Discovering the Truth
As the narrative progressed, clues emerged. The significance of blood, the process of regeneration, and the concept of immortality began to take shape. The early storylines often emphasized the danger, the risk, and the sheer difference between human and undead. The initial investigation served as a captivating invitation to the viewers, drawing them in through the mysteries of the supernatural world.
The Emergence of the Definitive Term
Defining the Species
Eventually, the show settled on a term that would become synonymous with the creatures of the night: “vampire.” The characters, as they learned more about their tormentors, started using this term. The word itself carried weight, defining a group of beings with specific traits and undeniable powers. This relatively simple term was the foundation upon which the intricate lore of the *Vampire Diaries* was built.
Practical and Narrative-Driven
The widespread adoption of the “vampire” term was both practical and narrative-driven. It created a shared understanding among the characters and the audience. It provided a concise way to refer to the antagonists and the protagonists who were slowly revealing their nature. It also resonated with existing vampire mythology, allowing viewers to easily grasp the basic framework while *The Vampire Diaries* expanded upon and reinvented it. The writers expertly used the term to link their supernatural creations to the vast history of vampire lore, yet simultaneously carved out a unique and instantly recognizable identity.
Variations and Nuances Within the Breed
Age and Ancestry
While “vampire” served as the overarching label, *The Vampire Diaries* never reduced its characters to simple stereotypes. The show delved into the variations and nuances within the vampire species. These differences were important, and key to the narrative.
Differences Among Vampires
Differences began with age and ancestry. Older vampires, those with centuries of experience, often possessed greater strength, speed, and a deeper connection to their abilities. The distinction between “Originals,” the first vampires, and those they created, formed the cornerstone of many storylines. Understanding these lineages, and the power dynamics within them, was critical.
The Turning Process
Then there was the “turning” process, the act of transitioning from human to vampire. The details were significant: the blood of a vampire, a near-death experience, and a conscious decision were all critical components. The concept of humanity, the connection to the past life, and the ongoing struggle to resist the primal urges added depth.
Different Paths
Also, there were vampires that followed different paths, and those paths could shape them. The writers utilized these different approaches to create a nuanced exploration of good vs. evil.
Character-Driven Interpretations
Stefan’s Perspective
The impact of the terms and classifications varied greatly among the characters. Their individual experiences colored their perceptions, resulting in vastly different approaches to the vampire condition.
Damon’s Perspective
Damon Salvatore, on the other hand, embodied a darker, more unrestrained perspective. He was often more comfortable embracing his vampirism, indulging in his powers, and occasionally reveling in his role as the “bad guy.” When speaking, he embraced the vampire label with sardonic wit. Damon’s usage of the word wasn’t just descriptive; it was often a form of taunting or a way of acknowledging the power he possessed.
Elena’s Transformation
Elena Gilbert, the human protagonist, became a pivotal character in understanding the vampire dynamic. Initially horrified, she had to learn to survive in a world where the undead roamed freely. The term “vampire” to her meant something different through each stage of her journey, first, it meant danger, and later, it became tied to love. Her transformation into a vampire dramatically altered her relationship with the term, as she embraced, and struggled with, her new identity.
Beyond the Basic: Expanding the Vocabulary
The Vampire Framework
The world of *The Vampire Diaries* did not stop at simply labeling its central characters. It also created an extended vocabulary, to better describe the complexities of the vampiric state.
Core Characteristics
The fundamental “vampire” attributes, the key characteristics of the creatures, defined the framework: blood consumption, immortality, enhanced physical abilities, and the ever-present weaknesses. The writers then extended the vocabulary to explain those aspects and differentiate among the various creatures.
Compulsion and Control
The power of compulsion, the ability to control the minds of humans, became a critical tool and a defining characteristic for many vampires. It led to complex moral dilemmas and allowed for some terrifying storylines. It was a power that separated them from other beings, and shaped their actions.
Details of the Turning
Then there was the “turning” process. Every detail mattered, starting with a human, the vampire blood, and the choice. This process created a constant focus of the show, allowing writers to explore the implications of their existence.
Specialized Terminology: Diving Deeper
The Ripper
Some words were vital to the world of the show: words with power, words that held immense importance.
The Originals
Then came the “Originals.” These were the first vampires, the originators, and the most powerful ones. The existence of the Originals introduced an entirely new dynamic, with the oldest vampires wielding significant influence. They became the key to unlocking the secrets of vampirism and played an essential part in the show’s long narrative.
Building a World
This extended vocabulary was part of what made *The Vampire Diaries* special. It set it apart from other portrayals of vampires and built the foundation for the show’s distinctive identity.
Impact and Influence: Shaping the Story
Power Dynamics
The specific terminology used in *The Vampire Diaries* didn’t just describe the characters; it actively shaped the show’s narrative. The terms influenced the characters’ behavior, their relationships, and the overall plot. This complex vocabulary played a key role in the evolution of the show’s themes.
Relationships and Conflict
The terms defined the power dynamics. The Original vampires held a position of ultimate authority and their influence was felt across generations. These dynamics, and their usage in dialogue, defined the interactions between characters, leading to conflict, alliances, and the ever-shifting nature of relationships.
Creating a Universe
The show’s use of terminology created a distinct universe, allowing the show to stand apart from other depictions of vampires. This detailed, consistent terminology helped to build the show’s dedicated audience. It also set a new standard for storytelling in the genre.
Conclusion: More Than Just “Vampires”
Answering the Question
So, in answer to the question: what do they call the vampire thing in *The Vampire Diaries*? They call them “vampires,” of course. But the true value of the show’s terminology lies in its depth and its ability to convey the intricacies of this world.
The Value of Terms
From the early days of cautious observation to the development of specific terms, the show’s writers crafted a vocabulary that supported their story and allowed the audience to better understand this complex world. The writers did more than just label them. They created a consistent and compelling narrative.
One of a Kind
*The Vampire Diaries* didn’t just deliver monsters. It delivered characters. The term used to describe them, as well as those that were related to them, defined the power of those characters, influenced the way they lived, and made the show one of a kind. The careful selection of terms allowed the show to create a captivating world for its audience, and gave it a long-lasting impact on the genre of vampire entertainment.
