However, he grows within the book to become a courageous and decisive actor in the fight against Dracula. Being a rational individual, he finds Dracula’s physical appearances and mannerisms odd but ignores them or refuses to take decisive action until it is a bit too late. Despite the warnings of the natives of the area he traverses, he continues on with a great sense of duty and adventure to Dracula’s castle. Jonathan Harker is a solicitor who was sent to Transylvania to finalize the transfer of property in England to Dracula. He exudes a fatherly presence to the other protagonists and is wholly pure and selfless. Van Helsing’s wisdom and mental superiority over the other protagonists come from his perfect straddling of both the old world and the new, of advancement in Science and humble reverence towards religion, which is the main theme of ‘Dracula.’ His knowledge of myths and folk superstitions comes in handy in detecting the problem, where more scientifically focused minds could not. Van Helsing’s vast knowledge of vampire lores, coupled with his understanding of the latest advances in medicine, proves decisive in the fight against Dracula. He is described as a scientist of great talent as well as a philosopher and metaphysician. Van Helsing is the novel’s main protagonist and the most important resource in the conflict against Dracula. He is sadistic and unforgiving and seems to harbor a great grudge against humanity.Īlthough powerful, his limitations, such as the immobilizing effect of sunlight, inability to cross water or enter a victim’s home uninvited, and a vulnerability to religious artifacts like the cross and sacramental wafers, ultimately lead to Dracula’s destruction. He hides an evil and cruel soul beneath a veneer of aristocratic gentlemanliness and charm. His desire to move to England in search of fresh blood kickstarts events in the book. He lives in an old decrepit castle within the depths of Transylvania.

But this way, they are able to capture the victorian ideal of perfection in both men and women that is so integral to Stoker’s narrative.Ĭount Dracula is the main antagonist of the book ‘Dracula.’ A centuries-old vampire of obscure origins with superhuman strength, shapeshifting abilities, and some control over animals and nature. Mina and Lucy are of similar character and temperament, while the three of Lucy’s suitors embody the same features of nobleness, courage, grit, and industry. Bram Stoker made his characters stiff and appeared to be repetitive.

Bram stoker's dracula book