Here's why:
* Setting: The story takes place in dark, mysterious locations like Transylvania, Carpathian Mountains, and London's shadowy streets, all contributing to a sense of gloom and the unknown.
* Atmosphere: The novel evokes a sense of dread, suspense, and the supernatural. It utilizes gothic elements like decaying castles, stormy nights, and the presence of the undead.
* Characters: The characters are often flawed, isolated, and driven by dark desires.
* Themes: The novel explores themes of death, decay, immortality, and the nature of good and evil.
While Dracula is arguably one of the most famous gothic novels, it also incorporates elements of horror and the supernatural, making it a rich and complex genre-bending work.