Vampire-Diaries.net has written an excellent article titled Vampire Lore 101.  In this piece they break down all the different characteristics of the vampires in The Vampire Diaries book series by L.J Smith.  It’s an excellent and well written read and answers all the questions you may have about the Vampires of TVD before getting into the TV series.  And in case you’re wondering…these vamps don’t sparkle. ;-)