Damon Salvatore

Damon Salvatore is a fictional character in The Vampire Diaries novel series. He is portrayed by Ian Somerhalder in the television series. Initially, Damon is the main antagonist in the beginning of the show and later became a protagonist. After the first few episodes, Damon begins working alongside his younger brother, Stefan Salvatore, and his girlfriend, Elena Gilbert, to resist greater threats and gradually Elena begins to consider him a friend. In 1864, Damon was turned into a vampire after being shot by his father with Katherine Pierce's blood in his system. His transition was completed after his younger brother Stefan, who is also a vampire, convinces him to drink blood. Damon, angry that Katherine chose to turn Stefan as well, vows to make his brother's life miserable - thus further causing a century-long rift between the brothers.