4 The Vampire Diaries Characters With the Best Endings, Even Though One Is Heartbreaking

The truth is, The Vampire Diaries had its ups and downs over its eight seasons, but there’s no denying that the characters were always the heart of the show. Some made choices that annoyed fans, others surprised with unexpected redemption, and plenty of storylines left us completely hooked. In the end, not everyone came out a “winner” or got a happy ending, but some conclusions worked so well they made total sense given everything we’d seen throughout the series. For those who followed the show from the beginning, you know some characters carry way too much weight and end up paying the price. Others at least get an ending that respects what they built.

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But out of all of them, which ones actually got a good, satisfying, and coherent conclusion to their arcs? Here are 4 The Vampire Diaries characters who had the best endings.

4) Bonnie Bennett

One of the characters who went through the most in The Vampire Diaries was Bonnie (Kat Graham), and that’s undeniable. Naturally, her ending had to be calm and well-deserved – and it was. After losing Enzo (Michael Malarkey) and going through years of accumulated pain from guilt and responsibility, she finally finds her own path. The series finale shows Bonnie as someone who learned to live beyond grief and loss, using her intelligence and power to help others and finally pursue her own happiness. It’s a very coherent ending for her arc: from the insecure young witch who often felt overlooked to an independent woman who knows her worth.

At the same time, Bonnie’s ending doesn’t ignore the reality of her losses. She survives and achieves a lot, but her personal life still carries emptiness, especially when it comes to love. That mix of victory and sacrifice makes her ending one of the most realistic, and therefore one of the best: she grows and finds her place, but not fully in the romantic sense. It’s a satisfying conclusion, just without the comfort of a “perfectly happy” ending.

3) Damon Salvatore

Damon (Ian Somerhalder) was one of the best-written and most convincing characters on the show, and his ending reflects that. He went from a charismatic villain to someone capable of genuine sacrifice and complex choices. His decision to finally accept the cure for vampirism and live a normal, human life with Elena (Nina Dobrev) is the peak of his redemption. After that, he finally finds the peace that had always been denied to him because of his impulsive choices. It’s an ending that balances justice with emotional satisfaction for anyone who followed his evolution over the seasons.

His ending wasn’t exactly embraced by all fans, but looking at it more broadly, the interesting thing about Damon is that his conclusion isn’t just about personal happiness – it reinforces his complexity. The Vampire Diaries avoids a perfectly “happy” ending, yet still gives him something that makes sense: true love and peace after years of chaos. Damon finishes the show as an example of a well-executed arc, where his growth is acknowledged without ignoring the consequences of his past.

2) Caroline Forbes

If there’s one character who really stood out, it’s Caroline (Candice King), and the most interesting part is that her ending stays true to exactly why she stole the spotlight: determination, courage, and focus on the future. Becoming the head of the Salvatore School is a natural step for someone who’s always taken responsibility, and the series gives her room to balance career, family, and love. Her story with Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and her role as a mother show her growth and independence, proving she can handle difficult situations without losing herself.

Also, Caroline’s arc doesn’t shy away from real challenges either. She faces clear struggles raising her twin daughters while managing her professional life, which keeps her ending grounded. It’s a conclusion that reflects her evolution: from an insecure, competitive teen to a woman who makes firm decisions and faces the consequences. It’s satisfying to see that, for her, personal growth and responsibility take priority, without romance or tragedy being the only defining aspects of her story.

1) Stefan Salvatore

The most tragic ending of all was reserved for Stefan (Paul Wesley). Emotional and heartbreaking, his sacrifice to save Mystic Falls is the peak of his redemption arc after some dark moments throughout the show. It also proves that he was always the most consistent character in putting others before himself. His ending is painful, but it makes sense: he defeats evil, protects the town, and ensures a future for the people he loves. For a character defined by duty from the very start, the finale is completely logical.

However, the real impact of Stefan’s ending comes from the mix of heroism and loss. He finds peace and reunites with Damon in the afterlife, but he leaves a tangible void for Caroline and fans who rooted for him. It’s an ending that works because it preserves the essence of his character: altruistic, principled, and complex. The show delivers a painful yet fair conclusion for a character who always put morality above everything else.

Which The Vampire Diaries ending was your favorite? Was there a character whose conclusion you didn’t like? Tell us in the comments!