The Future of Vampires

The Future of Vampires

Randy Caughel

Excelsior University

Abstract

This paper focuses on the evolution of the modern vampire from Bram Stoker's Count Dracula to modern day depictions.  Also, new ideas are introduced as potential directions for the future vampire, and other supernatural depictions could entertain.  The vampire genre is "here to stay,” and there will always be twists and turns that will keep the vampire enthusiasts entertained and coming back for more.

To look toward the future of vampire literature and film, one must look to the past to see the evolution and origins of the myths and legends.  The idea of the modern vampire could be traced back to Bram Stoker's Dracula (Stoker).  In this novel, the vampire named Count Dracula is described as a being that somewhat resembles a man, but he most definitely has features that are of some other creature.  Count Dracula is immensely powerful and has transformative capabilities that allow him to transform his body into a bat and other creatures.  Count Dracula is portrayed as evil, conniving, and manipulative by Stoker.  There is an epic battle between Count Dracula and Dr. Van Helsing in this novel that shows the reader that humans are capable of defeating evil.  This novel has spawned a new image of a vampire and has inspired countless books and movies that follow in this legacy.  

         Anne Rice built upon the vampire legacy with her novels about the vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Rice).  In her books, Anne Rice describes Lestat as bold, enthusiastic, and defiant.  The stories are written in a first person account from the viewpoint of Lestat and provides a new and exciting perspective to the genre.  Also, Lestat is portrayed as bisexual, and sexuality is a key component of Lestat's character and storylines.  Throughout his life, he asks himself philosophical questions such as "are my actions good or bad?", "what happens after death?"  These thoughts show that he is not just a mindless monster out roaming the streets killing for sport.  Lestat is a deep thinker and more than just an evil caricature.  

         Vampire literature has not just been relegated to vampires being the main character.  In novels such as Guilty Pleasures by Laurell Hamilton (Hamilton), the reader is introduced to a new type of vampire slayer.  In this novel, the main hero is a female vampire slayer and necromancer named Anita Blake.  While Van Helsing from Stoker's Dracula has no supernatural powers, Anita Blake has many.  Anita's ability to be a powerful necromancer and raise the dead is a power that she has had since she was a child.  She also received marks from a vampire which enhanced her already powerful healing powers and abilities.  Van Helsing charged into battle with more primitive tools, while Anita Blake was a professional hunter and executioner of supernatural creatures that have broken the law.  This novel showed a female character that was strong, capable, and willing to engage in battle with evil.