Elijah Mikaelson's character arc in The Vampire Diaries transitions from antagonist to protagonist. In the second season, he is a cold, calculating antagonist. However, after witnessing Elena's devotion to her loved ones, Elijah aligns with the protagonists against Niklaus. Although he initially betrays them to protect his family, by the end of the third season, Elijah chooses to aid in saving his family and Elena.