Netflix's new hit series, Squid Game, hit the ground running, becoming one of the streaming service's most-watched series in a matter of days. The Korean thriller is an unexpected sensation with a unique, dark premise surrounded by death.
Though the characters of The Vampire Diaries experience death in a completely different way than those in Squid Game, there is no doubt they have what it takes to compete in the game. Some would be more likely to win than others, though.
Matt
Matt is a tough guy who deals with a lot of supernatural people and events -- more than any human should. And that's his downfall, being human. Matt doesn't stand a chance when put up against the rest of the characters from The Vampire Diaries.
He's the only human among many vampires, werewolves, and witches. Even though he was was one of the bravest on the show, he is far too loyal and good of a friend to be a long-time contender and would likely get trampled on quickly in a Squid Game-like scenario.
Caroline
Despite her confident exterior, Caroline is very sensitive and insecure. She's naturally kind, loving and loyal to her friends. After being turned, she kills a man out of blood lust, but feels too much guilt afterward to continue harming people for food.
Her loyal and loving nature would make her a weak competitor. Her unwillingness to harm others is a strong trait to have as a vampire but not ideal for Squid Game.
Elena
It might appear as though Elena could be a be Squid Game winner, being the good-hearted protagonist. In season 4, after Jeremy dies and Damon turns her emotions off in one of the saddest scenes in The Vampire Diaries, she experiences a mean ripper phase.
But, ultimately, Elena cares too much, and her emotions get in the way, which wouldn't work in Squid Game. She's the type of person who would die for someone else to live on and win the game. Elena saves Matt over herself, making Stefan rescue Matt before herself as the two drown, resulting in her death.
Alaric
Going from a vampire hunter to an occult expert, Alaric comes off strong and knowledgeable. However, as Squid Game has taught viewers, strength and knowledge aren't everything. Rick often acts out of stubbornness or rashness. As a family member of sorts to Elena and Jeremy, he also shows that he'll do anything for those he loves.
Alaric goes so far as to die and come back to life multiple times throughout the series, in some of the least believable character deaths in The Vampire Diaries. While his resilience is an excellent strength as a competitor, he wouldn't be a winner in Squid Game because he'd dive in too fast or with too much heart and end up dying early on.
Tyler
Tyler is initially portrayed as an arrogant jock. But having athletic skills will benefit him in the physical aspects of Squid Game.
When he turns into a werewolf, his strength is only increased. Tyler possesses anger that he controls, and if he lets it loose, he could be great in competition. However, he only really kills when necessary to save himself, which would be his downfall in the game.
Bonnie
There's no doubt Bonnie is one of the most likable characters on The Vampire Diaries. She plays the role of counselor and confidante to all of her friends. Fiesty yet empathetic, Bonnie comes from a line of powerful witches and finds out about her powers just in time to help out her friend.
She's pressed with pain and loss time and time again but manages to persevere and stay strong. With her power and wits, she could be a candidate to win Squid Game. Bonnie is one of few in the show to remain strong in the numerous faces of danger and adversity.
Stefan
Stefan is seemingly the good brother. More often than not, he tries to be the good man that he wants to be. But then Stefan goes Ripper mode, becomes one of the biggest villains in The Vampire Diaries, and all his values go down the drain.
He kills ferally and carelessly. The animal takes over, and it's like he's a whole new person. In Squid Game, that is the type of competitor needed, as most of the real competitors are just as feral and willing to kill.
Damon
Damon is a rollercoaster of a man and can be both antagonist and protagonist. But some of Damon's worst characteristics would help win him Squid Game.
He's arrogant, apathetic, and impulsive. He hurts people in a second of lost control or feeling of vengeance. His lack of emotion and inhumanity combined with his clever nature and dark humor are the perfect blend for the twisted game.
Klaus
Not just an original vampire, Klaus is also the only original hybrid. Due to both vampire and werewolf blood running through his veins, Klaus is basically unstoppable.
Klaus is nearly always willing to put others at risk to benefit himself. He doesn't hesitate to kill, whether the victim is a stranger or someone close to him. This selfishness and lack of empathy are what could get him to the end of the competition.
Katherine
Katherine is one of the most loathsome villains in The Vampire Diaries. At over 500 years old, she's a selfish, cunning, and manipulative vampire. She brings chaos with her wherever she goes, without a care in the world.
Katherine repeatedly shows that she will do whatever it takes to survive. She is the exact type of person needed to win Squid Game. Her clever and ruthless nature work cohesively to set her up to be the last one standing. And if she isn't most likely to win, she's most likely to be the equivalent of Il-nam and start the whole game out of sheer boredom.