History of a horror character- Dracula

History of a horror character

Count Dracula

Count Dracula is the title character and main enemy of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic Horror novel 'Dracula'. He is shown as an typical vampire. Some aspects of the character are inspired by the Wallachian Prince Vlad the Impaler who was also known as "Dracula." The character appears frequently in popular culture, from films to animated media to breakfast cereals.

Although early in the novel Dracula is shown as friendly, he becomes angry when his plans are interfered with. When the three vampire women who live in his castle attempt to seduce Jonathan Harker, Dracula physically assaults on. He then relents and talks to them more kindly, telling them that he does indeed love each of them. Dracula is very passionate about his warrior heritage. He has a somewhat primitive and predatory worldview.

He has usually had a strong Eastern European accent, although the original novel only states that his spoken English is excellent, though strangely toned, and doesn’t necessarily suggest that he is Eastern European.

His appearance varies. He is described early in the novel as thin, with a long white moustache, pointed ears and sharp teeth. It is also noted later in the novel that sees him that he has a hooked nose and a pointed beard with a streak of white in it. He is dressed all in black.

There have been many different takes on Count Dracula over the last century, ranging from Nosferatu to Twilight, which features modern day vampires, however, keeps the same themes from original vampires, such as feeding from blood and being killed with garlic and a crucifix.