Nina Dobrev is one of the most talented actresses you'll ever see. During her time on The Vampire Diaries, she didn't just have to play Elena Gilbert but also an additional three characters. Out of these doppelgangers, Dobrev's portrayal of the elusive and sassy vampire, Katherine Pierce, proved to be a hit with fans.
Yet, if you had to pick between Elena and Katherine, which one would be your favorite? From Elena's selfless nature to Katherine's strength and determination, keep reading to find out the 5 reasons Elena is the better doppelganger and 5 why Katherine is.
Pro Elena: Her Compassionate Nature
Between Elena and Katherine, the younger doppelganger was much better at keeping in touch with her humanity. There is quite a distinctive difference between vampire Elena and Katherine. For one, Elena doesn't treat humans as a means to an end and she feels remorse for her actions.
For instance, when she first killed Connor, Elena was racked with guilt. Even though she did it out of self-defense, Elena hated that she would be causing pain for his parents and his brother. She also wasn't sleeping properly and hallucinating about the hunter. Considering Katherine leaves a huge body count behind and doesn't care about those lost, Elena's worries show what a good person she is.
Pro Katherine: Ended The Love Triangle
One aspect fans have respected Katherine for is her immediately ending the love triangle between herself, Stefan and Damon. For years, fans sat as Elena battled her feelings for Stefan and Damon. She first picks Stefan. Then Damon. Then Stefan again and then Damon. It got to the point where both Stelena and Delena fans had emotional whiplash.
At least with Katherine, you could appreciate her honesty. Even though she tried to manipulate Damon upon her return, you can't fault her for telling him that she wasn't in love with him. She could have continued to lead him on but didn't because she respected him enough on some level. It may have hurt him, but at least he knew where he stood and could now move on.
Pro Elena: Doesn't Blame The Past For Poor Decisions
Everyone would agree that Katherine and Elena have experienced their fair share of tragedy. The only difference between them is how Katherine uses it as an excuse to explain her villainous behavior. Katherine spent the majority of her life trying to outwit Klaus, running from the Original as he tried to kill her.
Yet, that did not mean she had to manipulate and sell-out the people who cared about her most. When Elena found out that Klaus was coming for her, she didn't try and bargain with other people's lives to save herself. She did the exact opposite. Elena also never blames those around her for the tragic circumstances she experiences, even though the Salvatores are responsible for most of it. It's one of the best qualities about her.
Pro Katherine: More Dynamic
There was a reason why many fans loved Katherine and that was because she was a more dynamic character. With Elena, she was always the epitome of good. She was selfless and a good influence on the other characters. Yet, when she turned into a vampire, she was just...bland.
When it came to Katherine, the writers had fleshed her character out more. She was introduced to the show as the antagonist but managed to gain the audience's sympathy when they learned her backstory. Even though she could be cruel and manipulative, she was like a female version of Damon and showed that she could care about someone other than herself. It's a shame we never got to see a redemption arc.
Pro Elena: Reliable Friend
For years, fans had to listen to Katherine moan about the hard life she had whilst on the run. However, she had only her self-preservation and deceitfulness to blame.
In the season 4 finale, Katherine attacked Elena because she believed that the new vampire had stolen her life. Yet, the deep resentment she holds towards Elena should be turned inwards. If Katherine showed Stefan she wasn't always selfish or manipulative, she may have stood a chance with him. Caroline would have been nicer if Katherine took the time to mentor her during her transition. She wasted all these opportunities.
Pro Katherine: Her Origin Story
Another aspect fans admired about Katherine was her fearless nature - even before she changed into a vampire. Although Elena had experienced many losses in her lifetime, it was nothing compared to Katherine. In Katherine's origin story, fans find out she was disowned by her family at 17 for having a baby out of wedlock.
After the child was given away, a devastated Katherine was then exiled to England where she met Elijah and Klaus. This was probably the worst thing to happen to Katherine as he had spent 500 years trying to kill her and her family in revenge for messing up his plan. No matter how many tears she shed, Katherine managed to pick herself up and fight to live another day. A brave warrior in our books.
Pro Elena: Made The Salvatore Brothers Better People
The love triangle between Stefan, Elena, and Damon may have been full of drama, but there was at least a positive outcome for the Salvatore brothers. Where Katherine had taken away their humanity, Elena was the one who gave them it back.
She also helped the brothers repair their relationship, which had been broken ever since they transformed. After years of self-resentment, Elena managed to make Stefan feel appreciated and worthy of happiness. She also managed to have a positive influence on Damon, changing him from a heartless vampire to a caring brother and friend. What Katherine had destroyed, Elena had helped them to rebuild.
Pro Katherine: She's Much More Fun
Katherine may be selfish and deceitful, but you can't deny that she is much more fun than Elena. Sometimes Elena looks to have the world on her shoulders, which means the majority of her scenes are all doom and gloom. When Katherine comes onto the scene, you can't help but feel like the show becomes a little more exciting.
Katherine is more interesting in terms that no one knows what to expect when she turns up. She could be there to offer her assistance or she could be there to stab them in the back. Katherine also doesn't care about what others think of her, which makes her more relaxed and carefree to be around.
Pro Elena: Her Selfless Nature
Between Katherine and Elena, the younger doppelganger was more likely to sacrifice herself than the 500-year-old vampire. When it came to protecting her family and friends, Elena was always the first person to volunteer for the missions. She died saving Matt, helped Stefan with his bloodlust and sacrificed her life for Bonnie's.
She even gives her enemies the benefit of the doubt because she likes to believe they can redeem themselves. On the other hand, Katherine has proved to be nothing but selfish. She moans about her loneliness, but if she took the time to consider how her actions can have drastic consequences on others, then maybe she wouldn't get rejected.
Pro Katherine: Her Strong Determination And Persistence
Although her methods are ruthless and pure evil, you can't help but admire Katherine for her determination. Unlike Elena, Katherine knows what she wants out of life and will do everything she can to get it - whether it was survival or more.
She got Stefan and Elena to break up after tormenting their family and friends for weeks. Katherine managed to outsmart the Mikaelsons on several occasions, particularly when she turned herself into a vampire to ensure that Klaus couldn't use her in his sacrifice. Let's not forget that she spent over 500 years on the run, turning her enemies on each other so she could slip away undetected. If she wants to accomplish something, she knows how to get it done.