Alaric Saltzman is a fictional character from the television series The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off, Legacies. He is portrayed as a history teacher and a vampire hunter, known for his intelligence and strong moral compass. Alaric has a complex background, including being a vampire himself at one point, which adds depth to his character. In The Vampire Diaries, Alaric becomes a father figure to the main characters, particularly Elena Gilbert and Jeremy Gilbert. He is also a close friend of Damon Salvatore and Stefan Salvatore, often helping them navigate the challenges posed by supernatural beings. His character evolves throughout the series, showcasing themes of love, loss, and redemption.