72 pages • 2 hours read
Dracula
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
488
Novel • Fiction
Transylvania • 1890s
1897
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Dracula is an epistolary Gothic novel by Bram Stoker that tells the story of the fight against the vampire Count Dracula, who seeks to move from Transylvania to London to spread the undead curse. The narrative is conveyed through various letters, telegrams, journal entries, and newspaper articles written by the characters, who struggle to vanquish Dracula and protect their loved ones as they navigate themes of good versus evil, modernity versus tradition, and the interplay between reason and the supernatural.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
1,337,836 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Bram Stoker's Dracula is hailed for its atmospheric writing and pioneering the vampire genre, contributing significantly to Gothic literature. Critics praise its suspense and complex characters, particularly Count Dracula. However, some find its epistolary format disjointed and the pacing uneven, which can affect reader engagement at times. Overall, a must-read classic with enduring appeal.
Who Should Read Dracula?
A reader who would enjoy Dracula by Bram Stoker is likely fascinated by Gothic fiction, dark romance, and supernatural tales. Fans of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson will find the eerie atmosphere and psychological depth compelling.
1,337,836 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jonathan Harker
Jonathan Harker
A lawyer who first encounters Dracula while brokering a real estate deal. He is brave and determined to escape from Dracula's castle and later seeks to protect Mina and defeat Dracula.
Mina Murray
Mina Murray
Engaged to Jonathan Harker and works as a schoolteacher. She is resourceful and supports the men in their fight against Dracula.
Lucy Westenra
Lucy Westenra
Mina's best friend, portrayed as more beautiful and flirtatious. She receives multiple marriage proposals and later becomes Dracula's first victim.
Doctor John Seward
Doctor John Seward
A pupil of Van Helsing and in charge of a mental asylum. He documents his interactions with Renfield and is deeply involved in the events surrounding Dracula.
Renfield
Renfield
A disturbed patient at Dr. Seward’s asylum who falls under Dracula’s spell. He seeks eternal life by consuming living creatures.
Abraham Van Helsing
Abraham Van Helsing
A philosopher, scientist, and doctor who is knowledgeable about folklore and the supernatural. He leads the fight against Dracula with his open-minded approach.
Arthur Holmwood
Arthur Holmwood
Lucy's fiancé and an aristocrat. He is deeply devoted to Lucy and participates in efforts to confront supernatural threats.
Quincey Morris
Quincey Morris
An American suitor of Lucy's and a brave participant in the fight against Dracula. He is supportive and protective of Mina and the group.
488
Novel • Fiction
Transylvania • 1890s
1897
Adult
14+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.