Grave of the Vampire

A college student who proposes to Leslie Hollander in the cemetery, his murder triggers the town’s investigation and sets the horror in motion. His death establishes the initial spark of Croft’s menace and the community’s vulnerability to an ancient predator.

Leslie becomes a central figure as she learns of her pregnancy and resists medical advice, enduring Croft’s violence. Her child, James, is born amid trauma and mystery, anchoring the story to a family curse. Her later death frees James to chase vengeance against Croft.

A serial killer in life who rises as a vampire, Croft terrorizes the town, hunts for victims, and manipulates others to conceal his true nature. He is later revealed under an alias as Adrian Lockwood, a professor, showcasing his talent for disguise and control. His conflicts with James drive the horror from the past into the present.

Croft’s new identity as a university professor is used to hypnotize and manipulate students, exposing his ability to hide in plain sight. The revelation during the séance scene confirms his vampiric nature to the graduate students. This disguise links Croft’s past crimes to the academic setting where James investigates the truth.

Leslie’s son, who grows up to dedicate his life to hunting his father’s legacy. He joins a folk mythology class, uncovers Croft’s identity, and ultimately defeats him, only to confront the dark fate of becoming what he hunts.

A graduate student who hopes Croft will turn her into a vampire for a bride, she is murdered by Croft and later speaks from beyond the grave, possessing Anne. Her presence accelerates the supernatural revelations surrounding Croft.

A graduate student who encounters Croft and witnesses the disclosure of his vampiric identity during the crux of the story. She survives the peril of the final confrontation and becomes a key witness to the shift in Croft’s power.

The housekeeper who urges Leslie to seek medical help and manages the household in the wake of danger. Her steady presence provides a counterpoint to the town’s escalating horror.

The local lawman who investigates the murder and Croft’s tomb, only to be killed by the vampire as the case deepens. His pursuit embodies the human effort to stop a supernatural threat.