<P> In the books, Elena is considered "one of the popular girls" at her high school and always gets "anything she wants". Executive producer of the television show, Julie Plec, said the Elena from the books was "really kind of selfish". In The Vampire Diaries, Elena's "selfishness" in the books as a human was never explored, because it "didn't ever feel like a characteristic" the show wanted for their heroine . Plec said "We kind of abandoned that queen - bee popular complex that in a lot of ways defined early Elena in the books", while feeling that Elena's actual flaw is her "deep, deep connection to other people". In the books, Elena had blonde hair, but has brown hair in the television show . Describing Elena from the books, Dobrev said she is "one of those mean girls that gets what she wants, popular...and she's blonde and blue eyed". Williamson told her that "the angle we wanted to go for was the relatable, nice, girl next door, who the audience roots for". Katherine, on the other hand, is penned as a "conniving, narcissistic, bitch". Describing Elena years later, Dobrev said she evolved from a "younger, naive, sad, young girl" to a "strong woman". </P> <P> Before The Vampire Diaries, Elena dated Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig), who was unable to move past his feelings for her initially after their break - up . Elena began dating Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), and later discovered he was a vampire . As the episodes progressed, she developed a connection with Stefan's adventurous brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), who consumes human blood, unlike Stefan, who has an animal blood diet . Speaking about the different qualities Stefan and Damon bring to Elena, Dobrev said they have "different qualities that are very appealing", which combined make "the perfect man". She said "Stefan is committed and sweet and protective and loving, and Damon is spontaneous and crazy and fun and exciting". </P> <P> After Elena became a vampire, she became sired to Damon and they slept together . According to Plec during an interview with TVLine, Elena "really believes what she feels is 100 percent genuine and real", and the couple "wants to be together and realizes that they shouldn't, yet really wants to . So what do they do?" Stefan became heartbroken, feeling angry and betrayed, and lashed out at Damon and Elena . In the season 4 finale, an unsired Elena confirms that she is in love with Damon, and the two kiss passionately . At the end of season 6, the two plan to become human, get married, and have children together, but their dream is abruptly compromised by Kai, who puts Elena into a magical coma . Damon remains entirely devoted to Elena throughout the remaining two seasons as Elena sleeps peacefully . In the season 8 finale, she is revealed to be happily married to Damon . Elena considers Damon to be the love of her life and her soulmate . </P> <P> Executive producers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson agreed that in the book series, Elena was turned into a vampire too early, which was around page 200 of The Awakening . Elena's transition into a vampire was planned for two years . Plec said: "That felt obviously too soon, and rushed, and we didn't want to make a show about a teenage girl who instantly becomes a vampire . But we always knew that her journey would take her there eventually". At the second season's conclusion, Elena was nearly turned into a vampire . Dobrev was happy that she wasn't, because she felt "it would have been too soon", and also didn't think it was something Elena or she wanted . </P>

Who does elena end up with in the last episode