Dracula is a vampire who has lived for centuries. He is a proud descendant of the warlike Huns and he misses the days of war. Initially, he presents himself to Jonathan Harker as an erudite, amiable nobleman who prioritizes hospitality and generosity. However, Dracula reveals himself to be a creature of sadistic cruelty and evil appetites. He possesses great strength, the ability to command animals, to shapeshift, and has some influence over the weather. He is weak to garlic, the sign of the cross, the crucifix, daylight, and the communion wafer.

Jonathan Harker is a lawyer who provides the reader’s first exposure to Dracula. Jonathan visits Castle Dracula on behalf of his firm, which is brokering a real estate deal with the Count. During his time in the castle, Jonathan is brave, curious, and finally, determined to escape. The shock of his experience weakens him. However, once he learns that his experience was real—and not the result of a brain fever—he is tenacious and bold in his efforts to protect Mina and defeat Dracula.

When the novel begins, Mina is engaged to Jonathan Harker. She works as a schoolteacher. Mina—particularly when compared to Lucy, her best friend—represents an incorruptible Christianity and purity.