Serial changes from the book to the tv show

The television series has changed many things in adapting the novels to screen. Some minor changes include characters’ last names being changed and their relationships to each other somewhat altered. Some major changes include renaming the town the story is set in. Fell’s Church was changed to Mystic Falls, as producers were unable to get legal clearance for the name. Also, Jeremy Gilbert, Elena’s younger brother, is not a character in the novels (Elena instead has a little sister named Margaret). Similarly, the character of Jenna Sommers, Elena’s aunt, was originally named Judith Gilbert in the novels. The character of Bonnie in the novels was a red head and a descendant to the Druids, in the TV series she appears African-American and is a descendant of the Salem witches. Also Vicki and Matt are brother and sister in the TV series but aren’t in the novels.

Both Damon’s and Stefan’s back stories have also been changed. Instead of hailing from Renaissance Italy, Stefan and Damon appear to be from Civil War-era Mystic Falls. Another addition is Zach, Stefan and Damon’s human relative, as this character never appeared in the novels. Also, in the novels, Elena is described as a blonde, blue-eyed, “ice princess”, whereas in the show she is a brown-eyed brunette. In the books, Caroline is also depicted as an “Egyptian Princess”, where in the show she has blonde hair and blue eyes. Elena’s other best friend Meredith from the novel is not in the TV series. However, it has been hinted that she will eventually appear.