Dracula: Prince of Darkness

Revived when Klove mixes his blood with Dracula's ashes, Dracula returns as a formidable undead master. He uses charm and fear to draw victims to the castle and pursues Diana Kent as his target. He is thwarted by cross symbols, Sandor's preparations, and ultimately sinks to the icy moat when the plan succeeds.

Though seen only in archive footage, Van Helsing’s legacy frames the fight against vampirism as a known, dangerous force. The memory of his victory over Dracula a decade earlier motivates the living to resist the new threat. His presence signals a historical pattern of vampire-hunting against which the characters measure their actions.

Helen is among Dracula's initial victims, drawn into the castle’s darkness. Her fate shifts from a living guest to an undead presence that haunts the others. Her arc underscores the vampire threat and the personal cost of resisting it.

A priest at the abbey who stands as the living bulwark against the vampires. He sterilizes bites with oil lamp heat and sets crucifixes in coffins to prevent re-entry. Sandor leads the pursuit to stop Dracula and protect the living from the undead menace.

Klove is Dracula's loyal servant who murdered Alan and blends his blood with Dracula's ashes to revive the Count. He works to undermine Sandor's defenses and to open the way for Dracula into the abbey and its coffins. His actions accelerate the vampire's return and the danger to the Kent family.

A patient at the abbey who is servile to Dracula. He entices Helen to the castle’s presence and lures Diana toward Dracula's presence, acting as a channel for Dracula's influence. His role highlights the vampire's ability to manipulate people from within.

Diana is targeted as Dracula's aim, but she becomes a focal point of Charles's rescue efforts. She is hypnotized by Dracula and nearly drawn into his plans before regaining agency with Charles's intervention. Her survival marks a turning point in the latter half of the story.

A resourceful and brave member of the Kent family who fights Dracula and protects Diana. He improvises a larger cross, shoots Klove, and drives Dracula away from danger. His persistence keeps hope alive as the pursuit reaches its climax.

Alan is the first Kent to fall, killed by Klove while investigating a suspicious noise. His death sets off a chain of events that heightens the sense of danger and motivates the other characters to act. He represents the price of ignoring ancient warnings.

The innkeeper who interacts with the Kent party, setting the stage for their departure and the ominous ride toward Karlsbad. His role grounds the story in a familiar social setting before the horror unfolds.

A monk who is part of the abbey’s order, part of the defense against Dracula. He abides by Sandor's decisions and helps deny entry to the vampires’ forces. His presence reinforces the religious community's role in safeguarding the region.

Another member of the abbey’s order who participates in the defense against Dracula. He represents the collective effort of the abbey to hold back the undead attack. His actions contribute to the abbey’s stand against the Count.

A local priest who embodies the community’s religious response to vampirism and fears. His presence alongside Sandor emphasizes the moral framework guiding the resistance to evil. He acts as a voice of prudence and faith in the face of danger.

The mother of the Kent family, who is part of the broader social fabric that feels the impact of Dracula’s return. Her role underscores the familial stakes and the vulnerability of loved ones in the siege of vampiric menace.

The driver who abandons the Kent party as night approaches, leaving them to find help near Karlsbad. His departure catalyzes their perilous journey to the castle and sets the stage for the supernatural events that unfold.