Vivian Alamain is certainly one of the most outrageous characters living in Salem. The fanatical redhead has spent most of the past two decades exacting revenge on Dr. Carly Manning for the pain and suffering she has caused the Alamain family. Viv is a woman who would do just about anything to get exactly what she wants and will not allow anyone to stand in her path; sans one – Victor Kiriakis.

Vivian has always been giddy in love with Victor. What began as a friendship has grown to become a deep affection and an undeniable bond between the two super powers – in her mind. Victor is the only man in Salem who respected Vivian for her smart business acumen and treated her with the dignity that she felt she deserved. She will do just about anything to win his affection. Vic lays down the law and Viv obeys … somewhat. Vivian does her best to walk the fine line between getting what her heart desires and pleasing the man she loves.

Although Vivian has spent nearly half of her adult life, dreaming up rather creative ways to torture Carly Manning, Vivian merely laughs off any Carly’s attempts at unnerving her. Dr. Manning has never been a threat to Vivian. Their relationship reminds one of how a cat plays with a mouse. On the other hand, Kate Roberts DiMera may be Vivian’s greatest opponent. Vivian’s alliance with Victor enrages Kate.

Kate and Vivian have a history of battling one another for Victor’s affections. Kate ultimately won, but every victory has a price that must be paid. Vivian managed to have Kate and Victor’s fertilized eggs implanted in her own uterus. After, Vivian had Kate detained while her wedding rehearsal was taking place. Like any loyal friend, Vivian gladly stood in for her old chum Kate, to run-through the nuptials with Victor. After all, a major event such as a wedding must be practiced to perfection! Unbeknownst to Victor, that was no dress rehearsal. Vivian and Victor were joined in holy matrimony, until death do them part.

Kate eventually got her man and child back from the clutches of Vivian’s snare. However, it is not over until Vivian is satisfied and declares victory. She is back in Salem, living in Victor’s home, wooing “her” son, Philip. Kate feels on some level that she has lost the war with her nemesis and that is humiliating to her.

No matter how much fans of Days of Our Lives want to hate Vivian Alamain, her selfish narcissistic character mixed in with quick wit and Victorian charm create a recipe for a character that fans love to hate.