Katherine Pierce

Born Katerina Petrova in 15th-century Bulgaria, Katherine fled from Klaus, who wanted to sacrifice her in his ritual, and became a vampire. In 1864 she came to Mystic Falls, turned the heads of both Salvatore brothers and turned them.

Katherine is a survivor: cunning, selfish and always three steps ahead. Her appearance at the end of season 1 makes Elena understand the brothers’ past. Later the cure makes her human, and she dies.

She returns from hell once more in the final season. For many fans she is the show’s secret lead.