On the Couch: Alaric Saltzman

I got to thinking that of all the characters on The Vampire Diaries, ol' Alaric "Rick" Saltzman might have gotten the short end of the psychological stick. I'm writing this special Thursday post to celebrate his particular brand of craziness. (As well as grace this post with some pics of his handsome, loony self.)

Alaric came to Mystic Falls as a history teacher-slash-vampire-hunter with a chip on his shoulder about his ex-wife, who turns up to be Elena's bio mother. He had some serious difficulty adjusting to his wife just up and leaving him, and wasn't willing to let sleeping dogs lie. His search for Damon (whom Rick believed killed his wife) led him to the vampire-infested Mystic Falls area. His gym bag didn't just contain gym clothes, but a couple of stakes and vervaine sprays, etc. He becomes involved with Elena's aunt Jenna, but when Jenna dies, he turns to the bottle for comfort (recurring theme on TVD, btw). He also comes to understand that his wife asked Damon to turn her into a vampire, which Damon did.

Rick wears this magical ring that lets him cheat death anytime he's murdered at the hands of a supernatural, which, for Rick, is fairly often.....every 5 episodes or so at least. It's not until Season 3 that this ring becomes something of a two-edged sword.

Rick begins to have these blackout periods, and when he comes to, he can't remember anything about what he's done or where he's been. It's starts pretty benign...he can't remember where he placed something or things have been moved around...and then gets pretty bizarre, as in he's covered with blood. He goes in for a CAT scan, even, because he knows something's wrong with him and thinks he's going crazy.

Rick's diagnosis is undoubtedly Dissociative Identity Disorder. He's got this alter ego who is rather violent on a good day. Turns out that Rick's subconscious (as represented by his alter identity) is going around trying to pick off council members...which is actually a return to his original goal of eradicating vampires. He's doing this vicariously by getting rid of unethical council members who already know about the vampire problem and are perpetuating it by not doing anything about their own children becoming vamps (Caroline Forbes) and hybrids (Tyler Lockwood). 

Here's the breakdown for Rick (his symptomology is in red):

A. The presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states (each with its own relatively enduring pattern of perceiving, relating to, and thinking about the environment and self). 

B. At least two of these identities or personality states recurrently take control of the person's behavior. [That would be Alaric the history teacher and "Dark-Alaric" or The Darkness." When Dark-Alaric is at the helm, he's in complete control, b/c Rick has no idea what he's done when he "comes to."]

C. Inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. [He doesn't remember small things at first, but then not knowing yow you get covered in blood is a *tad* important.]

D. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance(e.g., blackouts or chaotic behavior during Alcohol Intoxication) or a general medical condition (e.g., complex partial seizures). [Nope, turns out that craziness just runs in the history of the Gilbert family ring that Alaric wears.]

I believe this'll do it for all you vampire fans out there. At least Rick went out with a bang (as everyone usually does on the show).

Let's Analyze: Anyone else upset that Rick's gone off to star in his own show? I thought he was a nice addition to the almost obsolete human world on TVD.

On the Couch: Stefan Salvatore

Ah, sweet younger brother Stefan is on the couch today. If you missed Damon's analysis from Monday click here.

Stefan captured the hearts of many a female with his battling-his-inner-vampire-demons persona and incredible love for Elena....as his voice over said in the opening credits..."I had to know her."

Stefan was born in 1847, seven years after his brother, in Mystic Falls. In the glimpses of his human life before he was turned into a vampire (in 1864, when he was 17), it is apparent that Stefan was the "good" son. He lived by a code of ethics and morals, and valued honor, duty, justice, and responsibility.

As a vampire, those traits remained...which is often negatively referred to as his "humanity." When we first meet Stefan, he's sort of an herbivore vampire in that he only feeds off animals (just go with the imperfect metaphor). This makes him physically weaker than other vampires who feed off humans straight from the vein. Stefan has a strong regard for human life, yet he's been known to go on "binges" where he essentially loses touch with his humanity and compassion and kills people right and left. This is his "Ripper" persona.

I know you probably think I'm about to diagnose Stefan as Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder). I'm not. I think there is plenty of proof that Stefan and Ripper Stefan are the same person. Yes, he does suffer blackouts wherein he violently dismembers his victims only to reassemble them (perhaps in remorse?) when he comes to. This pattern is how Damon recognizes Stefan's path away from Mystic Falls and is able to track him down.

But he's still integrated as one vampire. I think it's most evident when he calls Elena as the Ripper but doesn't say anything. She tells him she still loves him and isn't going to give up on him, and it's clear he's miserable away from her, having to be forced to be the Ripper. And he saved Klaus in the first place to keep his brother alive...all kinds of internal angst, but not internal dissociation from his real self. He laments all the kills he made as the Ripper. They grieve him and haunt him. He calls himself a monster--and hates that side of himself.

That said, Stefan does have a problem. Since human blood isn't a substance the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders would recognize, we're going to have to be creative. The term drug can refer to any non-food chemical substance or preparation administered for the purpose of correcting or weakening a disease process (therapeutic drug) or for pleasure (recreational drug). Human blood for Stefan fits the bill.

I'd diagnose Stefan with a really severe case of substance dependence with an unknown substance (just a technicality in our world), with physiological dependence. Here's the criteria (Stefan's in red):

A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

(1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following: 

 (a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve Intoxication or desired effect (I think he gets pretty high from just a sip.)
 (b) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance 

(2) Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: 

(a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (It's clear Stefan wants blood when his face goes all veiny.)
(b) the same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms (Rabbit blood, anyone?)

(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended (Stefan had a disturbingly long list of names in the closet of his Ripper persona.)

(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use (A few accidental drainings because he couldn't stop.)

(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain-smoking), or recover from its effects (Stefan scoped out the locales that would give him better access to folk and less chance a Missing Persons Report would be filed. Slick, Stefan.)

(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use (Gave up his entire life for this last binge, including his romantic relationship.)

(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance

Stefan's had at least three staged interventions from his friends: two from Lexi (in 1864 after his first binge and then again in 1922 after his binge with Klaus), and then the latest binge from season 3 when he agrees to be the Ripper again to preoccupy Klaus and keep him away from Mystic Falls and Elena. (Note: Stefan willingly agrees to the deal out of compassion for his love.) Even dispassionate brother Damon knows Stefan's got a problem.

Stefan's coming into at least a partial remission, as he seems to be able to hold his head above water for extended periods of time after receiving some help. But he needs to get into a Bloodaholics Anonymous program and stick with it.

Let's Analyze: Do you think Stefan is the same person/persona as Ripper Stefan? Why or why not?

On the Couch: Damon Salvatore

If you watch The Vampire Diaries--and even if you don't--you've likely heard about the famous, more-than-a-little-gorgeous Salvatore brothers. Since Damon is my personal favorite, he's up first on the couch (go Team Damon!).

FYI: I'll be utilizing the TV character to analyze, not the book character in the series by L.J. Smith.

Damon is the "bad" brother, for sure. He was born in Mystic Falls in 1840, 7 years before his brother Stephan. We've gotten glimpses of his human life from the show, and it's clear that he was impulsive, disrespectful of authority figures (in particular, his father), rebellious and careless. He craved the thrill of adventure and danger, and was often engaged in high risk-taking behavior like drinking, gambling (at boxing matches, etc), and womanizing.

As a vampire, all of those character traits are magnified. At the beginning of the show, he could only be described as sinister. He was ruthless and unsympathetic, had little regard for human life, and had no guilt or remorse with killing any of them. Very selfish, arrogant, proud, and manipulative. (Not a pretty picture on paper, but still in a pretty package. Am I right, or am I right, ladies? Look at that cutie smile!)

Now, as the show has just finished it's third season, Damon has shown more of a compassionate side and an ability to feel, especially where Elena (the show's heroine) is concerned. He still has a sadistic nature about him, and he's willing to go to any extreme to keep Elena safe. But he feels things for others besides his love interest, like his "friend" Alaric Salztman, whom he wanted to let "die in dignity," but who he had "killed" himself at least three times prior. Or glamoring Elena's brother Jeremy to forget the horrors he's experienced (again, for Elena, but he didn't have to do it). He also took a bite from Tyler instead of allowing Caroline to get bit.

But given the above considerations, Damon does fit the diagnosis for Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD). Here's a breakdown (the criteria Damon meets are in red):

A. There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three (or more) of the following: 

(1) failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest (What's the death toll by Damon's hands up to now?)
(2) deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure (Gosh, where to start? The moonstone, the white oak stakes, glamouring his "girlfriends.")
(3) impulsivity or failure to plan ahead (I think Damon's quite the planner when he wants to be, as evidenced by all the plots each episode to kill Klaus or any original, etc, but he does act on a gut level, killing Rick Saltzman several times because he got mad is a prime example.)
(4) irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults (Fights every episode, I believe, and an unlimited amount of brooding.)
(5) reckless disregard for safety of self or others (Possibly one of the worse/best examples was how he led his anchor girlfriend to her death at the studio. He often puts himself in impossible situations to survive.)
(6) consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations (He clearly did this as a human, carousing instead of being honorable. He doesn't have a job in TVD and he never honors his word unless it's to Elena.)
(7) lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another (

B. The individual is at least age 18 years. (Damon is over 400 years old, but he was turned in his early twenties, so he's "frozen" there.)

C. There is evidence of Conduct Disorder with onset before age 15 years. (Yep, from his human history, this is likely.)

As you can see, you only need three traits to be considered APD, and Damon rocks out with all 7 criteria. I think it's important to note that Damon does not exhibit these traits all the time, which is why he wouldn't be considered a psychopath. He has taken responsibility for his behavior before, he has experienced remorse about past actions, and he can be very honest and reliable (when it suits him and it's about something or someone he cares a great deal about).

While this diagnosis isn't good news for my favorite character, you Stephan-lovers out there won't be all that thrilled with his diagnosis, either. Stay-tuned for that on Wednesday!

Let's Analyze: To contradict what I've just written, let's come up with some fantastic scenes to prove my point that Damon isn't all that "bad" of a guy. What scenes can you think of where Damon doesn't fit the criteria above?

What Writers Can Learn From The Vampire Diaries

As most of you probably know, I have a vampire fetish of sorts. I dig them in any format: books, movies, television shows. I offered my firstborn begged and pleaded to be an extra in the Twilight series, but it was a no go. What do you think? Couldn't I totally pass for one of the Cullens...after they have been well-fed?

Don't tell me you don't think that's cool. I will let you know how to do it if you ask nicely. Anyway, moving on...

In one of the latest episodes of The Vampire Diaries (TVD), there was an incredible song featured at the end of it by Ross Copperman, called "Holding On and Letting Go." It has amazing lyrics, and I've been held captive by them all weekend. Here's the chorus:

It's everything you wanted, it's everything you don't
It's one door swinging open and one door swinging closed
Some prayers find an answer
Some prayers never know
We're holding on and letting go

Can't every breathing person relate to that? It's nothing new for me to have an emotional experience while watching this show. Yes, some of it revolves around teenage angst and drama, but most of it is truly gripping stuff that pulls your heartstrings. (TVD fans unite!) And the music is nothing short of masterful in helping accomplish this.

This little beauty of a clip (from Season 3, Episode 10) resonated with me so much (I stalked the internet to find out who sang the song), that I took some time to analyze why. I believer there's a lot to glean for romance writers in particular.

1) It throws us a bone. I think those of us on Team Damon still have a ways to wait before things really heat up with him and Elena, but our hearts just sang with this kiss! It's not their first, but it's definitely the best. Just as we're beginning to despair--possibly grow uninterested--we get this firecracker romantic moment, and now I'm chomping at the bits for continuing episodes.

2) It keeps us guessing. This wasn't the perfect ending by any stretch. He's telling her he can't have her because she's "his brother's girl, and all," even though he definitely wants her Clearly, she is shaken by the kiss. He means something to her...but just what, we're not sure. The producers sure do play their cards close to the chest. They only reveal things little by little. (see #1)

3) It's one heck of a love triangle. Not every book, movie or show has to have one, of course, but many of the great ones have this built-in tension. The fact that Stephan is Damon's brother makes this triangle all the harder to swallow.

4) It takes us by surprise. Damon's, "No. No. You know what?" moment there at the very end to return and kiss Elena (so that he has something tangible to feel guilty for) isn't what we were expecting. But dang, don't we love it.

5) The mood matches the tone and vice versa. Since writers don't get to have accompanying music, we have to work harder at getting this mix right. Pacing is key here. The fact that the music swells into the silence of their kiss is amazing production--and amazing pacing, given that the song started minutes before during other scenes. If the audience isn't caught up in this, then they don't have a pulse.

Let's analyze: What other reasons do you think shows like The Vampire Diaries and dozens of others keep viewers tuning in week after week?

There's plenty of time to take my Writer's Quiz on whether listening to music while writing affects productivity. So click on over!