Dracula as a Character:
- In the film, Dracula is portrayed as a suave, charming, and seductive aristocrat who uses his allure to prey on his victims. In contrast, the novel presents him as a more monstrous, cold, and merciless creature with an insatiable thirst for blood.
Mina Murray:
- In the film, Mina is portrayed as Jonathan Harker's fiancee, who becomes Dracula's main love interest. In the novel, Mina is more central to the story, forming a complex emotional connection with both Jonathan and Dracula, representing the struggle between good and evil.
The Renfield Character:
- The film features the character Renfield, a mentally unstable acolyte of Dracula who is driven to madness by his master. In the novel, Renfield plays a minor role as a patient at Dr. Seward's sanatorium, providing context for Dracula's predatory nature.
Van Helsing's Role:
- In the film, Professor Abraham Van Helsing is depicted as a knowledgeable expert in vampire lore who takes the lead in hunting Dracula. In the novel, Van Helsing's role is less prominent, and he works collaboratively with other characters to combat the vampire threat.
The Ending:
- The film concludes with Dracula being impaled by a knife while exposing himself to sunlight. In the novel, Dracula is defeated when sunlight burns him alive, as he is unable to find refuge in his Transylvanian castle.
Setting:
- The film primarily takes place in London and Transylvania, depicting scenes inDracula's castle and Dr. Seward's sanitarium. The novel, on the other hand, has various settings, including Whitby, England, and Budapest, adding more diversity to the overall story.
Character Motivations:
- The film focuses more on Dracula's pursuit of Mina as his love interest, while the novel explores deeper motivations for his actions and highlights the themes of good vs. evil, moral temptations, and the impact of societal norms.
Overall, while the film adaptation captures the essence of the Dracula legend and introduces iconic imagery to the genre, the novel delves deeper into character development, psychological elements, and the exploration of supernatural horror, providing a richer and more complex narrative.