Student Question

Who are the major and minor characters in Dracula and how would you describe them?

Quick answer:

The major characters in Dracula include Dracula himself, who is both unconscionable and mesmerizing. Jonathan Harker, determined and persistent, ultimately kills Dracula. Arthur Holmwood, selfless and brave, is grief-stricken after destroying his vampire love, Lucy. Mina, Harker's compassionate and resilient fiancée, narrowly avoids becoming a vampire. Van Helsing, an intelligent and perceptive vampire hunter, leads the efforts to destroy Dracula and aids in the final confrontation.

Expert Answers

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Obviously, the most important character is Dracula.  He is unconscionable and mesmerizing.  Another main character is Jonathan Harker, who ends up killing Dracula.  He is determined and persistent.  Other important characters include Arthur Holmwood, whose love, Lucy, becomes a vampire and whom he ends up having to destroy because of this.  He kllls her and is grief-stricken because of it.  Arthur is selfless and brave.  Mina is Jonathan Harker's fiance.  She almost becomes a vampire, but is saved from becoming one. She is compassionate and resilient.  Finally, Van Helsing is a vampire hunter who aids in finding ways to destroy Dracula and leads the hunt for him.  He is one of the men who helps fight off the gypsies who try to prevent Harker from killing Dracula.  Van Helsing is intelligent and perceptive.

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