Character Analysis Of Count Dracula

What does it take for someone to be a vampire? When most think about a vampire, they think of the typical sharp fangs and extremely pale skin, however human-like other than those two identifying features. Count Dracula fits into the category of what one would think of when asked. He has the appearance and his actions match that of a typical vampire. From his appearance, various actions, and other characteristics Count Dracula fits into the vampire template perfectly, making him exactly the type of character the reader expects him to be. The most evident feature of Dracula that displays how he is a vampire is his appearance. When Jonathan first meets the Count, he describes him as “a tall old man, clean shaven save for a long white mustache,

First, is how Dracula behaves when Jonathan cuts himself shaving. Jonathan then describes that “when the Count saw my face, his eyes blazed with a sort of demoniac fury, and he suddenly made a grab at my throat,” however when the Count touches the beads on Jonathan’s crucifix, he backs down (52). As if this reaction by Dracula is not suspicious enough, he proceeds to tell Jonathan to “take care how you cut yourself. It is more dangerous than you think in this country” before flinging the mirror out a nearby window after complaining that it encourages vanity (52). This reaction increases Jonathan’s suspicion of his host, and rightly so. To the reader, the Count’s actions seem like that of a typical vampire. The Count acted instinctively at the sight of blood, however drew back once he realized that Jonathan was wearing a crucifix. This makes perfect sense as it is commonly known that a crucifix is one of a vampire’s weaknesses along with garlic. Furthermore, the Count clearly had to realize that Jonathan observed his lack of reflection in the mirror and threw it out the window to avoid explaining himself to his

“I saw the fingers and toes grasp the corners of the stones, worn clear of the mortar by the stress of years, and by thus using every projection and inequality move downwards with considerable speed, just as a lizard moves along a wall” (60). It is a common belief that vampires can complete seemingly unhuman tasks, such as Dracula’s wall climbing. Upon witnessing the Count accomplish this feat, Jonathan states that he is “in awful fear—and there is no escape for me” (60). This is an expected reaction after witnessing something that anybody can agree that no mortal human should be able to accomplish. Jonathan begins to wonder exactly what he got himself into and becomes fearful for his life and he realizes that it would be incredibly difficult to escape from the Count’s