Caroline Forbes and Alaric Saltzman never officially “get together” in the traditional romantic sense in The Vampire Diaries. While they don’t form a romantic couple, their relationship is a complex and crucial part of the show’s later seasons, primarily centered around raising Alaric’s twin daughters, Lizzie and Josie.
The Nuances of Their Connection
The connection between Caroline and Alaric is anything but straightforward. It’s a blend of platonic friendship, shared trauma, responsibility towards the twins, and a deep-seated respect that never quite blossoms into full-blown romance. The show expertly navigates the complexities of co-parenting under extraordinary circumstances (considering the supernatural backdrop) while acknowledging the potential, yet ultimately unfulfilled, romantic undercurrent. To truly understand their dynamic, we must delve into the evolution of their relationship from strangers to reluctant co-parents.
From Acquaintances to Guardians
Initially, Caroline and Alaric are mere acquaintances in Mystic Falls. Alaric, the history teacher and vampire hunter, and Caroline, the bubbly cheerleader, exist in different orbits. However, the death of Alaric’s wife, Jo, during their wedding dramatically alters the trajectory of their lives. Jo was pregnant with twins, miraculously transferred to Caroline’s womb through magical means. This unforeseen event thrusts Caroline into the role of surrogate mother, forever linking her destiny with Alaric and his unborn children.
Co-Parenting and Shared Responsibility
Following the birth of Lizzie and Josie, Caroline and Alaric become co-parents, navigating the challenges of raising supernatural children. Their relationship is defined by shared responsibility, mutual support, and a deep love for the twins. This unconventional family dynamic is further complicated by the ongoing threats and dramas that plague Mystic Falls. They rely on each other for emotional support and practical assistance, fostering a bond that transcends simple friendship but remains distinct from romantic love.
The End of the Line?
As the series progresses, both Caroline and Alaric explore other romantic relationships. Caroline eventually marries Stefan Salvatore, while Alaric becomes romantically involved with other women. These relationships, while not always successful, highlight the fundamental difference between the connection they share and a romantic partnership. They are, at their core, co-parents bound by their love for Lizzie and Josie, a relationship that ultimately defines their roles in each other’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Caroline and Alaric
These FAQs address common questions and misconceptions surrounding the relationship between Caroline Forbes and Alaric Saltzman in The Vampire Diaries and Legacies.
H3: Why didn’t Caroline and Alaric become a couple?
The series suggests several reasons why Caroline and Alaric never officially became a couple. First, the writers explored a non-traditional family dynamic where love and commitment existed without romantic entanglement. Second, both characters had significant romantic relationships throughout the series, indicating that their destinies lay elsewhere. Third, their shared trauma and responsibilities perhaps created a boundary that was difficult to cross. Finally, the showrunners may have intentionally avoided pairing them to maintain the unique and complex nature of their co-parenting arrangement.
H3: What episode are the twins transferred to Caroline?
The twins, Lizzie and Josie, are magically transferred to Caroline’s womb in Season 6, Episode 11, titled “Woke Up With a Monster.” This is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for Caroline and Alaric’s complex relationship and their shared parental responsibility.
H3: Did Alaric ever have romantic feelings for Caroline?
While it is debatable, the show never explicitly depicts Alaric expressing romantic feelings for Caroline. He clearly deeply values her as a friend and co-parent, but his actions and dialogue never strongly suggest romantic intent. His focus is primarily on the well-being of his daughters and appreciating Caroline’s dedication to them.
H3: Did Caroline have romantic feelings for Alaric?
Similar to Alaric, Caroline never overtly expresses romantic feelings for Alaric. She cares for him deeply as a friend and co-parent, and she admires his dedication to his daughters. While there are moments of tenderness and affection, they are generally interpreted as platonic.
H3: What happens to Caroline and Alaric in Legacies?
In Legacies, Caroline is frequently absent from the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, often away on missions to find a solution to the Merge – a magical ritual that will eventually force Lizzie and Josie to fight to the death. Alaric, as the headmaster, manages the school and raises the twins in her absence. Their co-parenting relationship continues, though strained by Caroline’s prolonged absences and the inherent challenges of raising teenage witches.
H3: Does Caroline ever return to Mystic Falls permanently?
While Caroline’s appearances in Legacies are sporadic, the series finale suggests that she will eventually return to Mystic Falls more permanently to be with Alaric and the twins. However, this is left somewhat ambiguous, allowing viewers to imagine the future of their unique family dynamic.
H3: How does Stefan feel about Caroline’s role as the mother of Alaric’s children?
Stefan Salvatore is initially surprised by the situation, but he quickly accepts and supports Caroline’s role as the surrogate mother of Lizzie and Josie. He understands the deep bond between Caroline and the twins and recognizes that she is essential to their lives. His love for Caroline extends to embracing her responsibilities as a mother, making him a part of their unconventional family.
H3: What is the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted?
The Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted is a school founded by Alaric and Caroline to provide a safe haven and education for supernatural children, including vampires, witches, and werewolves. It is named after Stefan and Damon Salvatore in their memory and aims to prevent young supernaturals from facing the same challenges they did.
H3: Is the Merge a big issue for Caroline and Alaric?
Yes, the Merge is a significant source of stress and anxiety for both Caroline and Alaric. Knowing that their daughters are destined to eventually fight each other to the death puts a strain on their co-parenting relationship and motivates Caroline’s constant search for a solution. It’s a recurring plot point in Legacies and underscores the unique challenges of raising supernatural children.
H3: How do Lizzie and Josie feel about Caroline and Alaric being their parents?
Lizzie and Josie have a deep love and appreciation for both Caroline and Alaric. They recognize the sacrifices Caroline made to bring them into the world and value her unwavering support. They also admire Alaric’s dedication to the school and his tireless efforts to protect them. While they may sometimes struggle with the complexities of their family dynamic, their love for their parents is undeniable.
H3: Do Caroline and Alaric ever have any conflicts?
Yes, Caroline and Alaric experience conflicts, particularly in Legacies. Caroline’s extended absences and Alaric’s protective nature often lead to disagreements regarding the twins’ safety and well-being. These conflicts highlight the challenges of co-parenting, even in the best of circumstances. However, they always manage to resolve their differences for the sake of Lizzie and Josie.
H3: What makes their relationship so unique in The Vampire Diaries universe?
The relationship between Caroline and Alaric is unique because it transcends traditional romantic or familial boundaries. It’s a complex blend of friendship, shared responsibility, mutual respect, and deep love for their children, without the romantic entanglement often associated with such close relationships. It offers a refreshing perspective on the various forms that love and commitment can take, emphasizing the importance of family, whether conventional or not. Their co-parenting dynamic provides a compelling narrative thread throughout The Vampire Diaries and Legacies, showcasing the strength and resilience of an unconventional family unit.