Note: Since the subjects are fictional characters, rather than sit down with them separately or together, the therapist viewed twenty-two hours of tape footage (one “season”) depicting their interactions with one another and with others.

Stefan Salvatore

Observations

Appearance

Stefan Salvatore is male, Caucasian, appearing to be about seventeen years old (younger than his stated age of 162). Stefan stands approximately 5’10”. With a coif of stiff “James Dean” hair, a black leather jacket, and expensive designer pants, he resembles a rebellious—albeit wealthy and wellgroomed— teenager from the 1950s. Other than an ornate ring he wears no jewelry. His build is athletic, with an emphasis on weightlifting; the thin black T-shirt he wears reveals clearly defined pectorals. Though Stefan is officially undead, he appears healthy.

Mood, Affect, and Interpersonal Characteristics

It is sometimes difficult to even remember Stefan is a vampire. He presents initially as the vampire version of the prototypical “nice guy”: the soft-spoken, quarterback boyfriend you can take home to Mom and Dad. His manners and eye contact are excellent, and he has high social intelligence, including an aptitude for discerning what others want from him. He works hard to please those he deems worthy, including girlfriend Elena Gilbert and the other human inhabitants of Mystic Falls. Stefan’s classic expression is the furrowed brow, head tilted slightly to indicate he is focusing on what others are saying (though at times I observed what appears to be a slightly condescending smirk when speaking to those younger or less knowledgeable than himself).          

Overall, Stefan appears to be emotionally healthy and well adjusted, with the notable exception of the weeks immediately following  …