In a world full of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures, people die more often than not - even those who are stronger and more resilient than humans. The Vampire Diaries has killed many of its main and ing characters. While a lot of them came back to life sooner or later, there were also some who stayed dead.
Either because their death happened at the end of the show or because The Vampire Diaries no longer seemed to have a use for them. The first case is true for none other than Stefan who sacrificed his life in the show's finale. Not every fan was so happy about this result though, since there were multiple reasons why Stefan should have survived.
Is Fitting: Stefan Sacrifices Himself For People
With the exception of his Ripper times, Stefan is ultimately a kind person who sacrifices himself for others. So giving up his life in order for Damon and everybody else to live felt like something Stefan would do. After all, he was willing to sacrifice himself before.
For example, when Klaus planned his ritual in the second season and needed to sacrifice a vampire for it, Stefan offered himself instead of Jenna. That didn't work but it's the intention that counts.
Makes No Sense: Other People Could Have Made The Same Choice
It's always difficult to decide who will live and who will die. The truth is that there were plenty of people who could have tried and taken Stefan's place - most notably Damon.
But Stefan stubbornly decided he would be the one and he didn't even try hard enough to come up with another possible solution. The stakes were high, true, but still, Stefan jumped up at the chance to sacrifice himself surprisingly fast.
Is Fitting: He Was Tired
One of the reasons why Stefan was willing to give up everything is because he might have been tired of his long existence.
Stefan seemed more introspective than Damon and as time progressed, it looked like he wasn't always enjoying being a vampire that much. After 160+ years of living, Stefan saw it as no big tragedy finally moving on.
Makes No Sense: He Became More Optimistic Over Time
When Stefan first showed up in Mystic Falls and met Elena, he was somewhat sad and gloomy. But as time progressed, Stefan evolved. He opened up himself to people and built friendships with others.
He was no longer the loner guy who spent time writing in his diary. Stefan had become more optimistic and if he didn't die, he could have kept evolving as a person.
Is Fitting: He Got To See His Dead Loved Ones Again
When Elena and Damon die and arrive in the afterlife, they both reunite with the people who loved and lost. Even before Damon showed up, Stefan had the opportunity to meet the people closest to him who died.
That might include not only Lexi but his 'uncle' - really, a nephew who was a few generations removed - Zach as well. Stefan must have been happy when he met those who had already gone and he wasn't alone in the afterlife.
Makes No Sense: He Left Behind The Living Ones
On one hand, Stefan got to reunite with his dead friends when he died. On the other hand, he had many living friends who loved him - most notably Caroline, Damon, and Elena.
The last time Caroline called him, she said she understood Stefan's actions but she still no doubt would have been happier if her husband survived and was with her.
Is Fitting: He Got His Revenge On Katherine
Stefan was never as obsessed with getting revenge on Katherine as Damon was. He and Katherine even rekindled their romantic relationship for a while when she was turned into a human.
However, there's no denying that Katherine was the biggest reason why Stefan and Damon became vampires in the first place. She ruined their lives, so it was a poetic justice one of the Salvatore brothers was the one to defeat her.
Makes No Sense: Other Supernatural Threats Will Appear
One thing that The Vampire Diaries never lacked is supernatural threats. Even when the heroes stopped one, a different one appeared sooner or later. Stefan knew that very well.
So when he stopped Katherine, it was with the knowledge that eventually someone else might pose a threat to his loved ones. Except now if that did happen, Stefan would no longer be around to help them.
Is Fitting: He Did It For Damon Because He Owed Him
One of the darkest moments in Stefan's life was when he forced his brother to become a vampire against his will. Damon was ready to die, he wanted it, but Stefan couldn't deal with the idea and he tempted Damon to drink blood and turn.
By sacrificing himself well over a hundred years later, Stefan gave Damon back the chance at a human life he had previously convinced him to give up.
Makes No Sense: He Could Have Been There For Damon And His Family
After Stefan had ed, Damon and Elena got married and started a family. If Stefan was in their lives, they no doubt would have been even happier.
Stefan would finally get the large family he deserved, and he could be a great uncle to Elena's and Damon's kids. He gave up his chance at that when he gave up his life, though.