Final answer:
In literature, vampires often share common traits like immortality. However, characteristics like fear of garlic or aversion to crosses vary across different vampire narratives. Bram Stoker's Dracula sticks closely to original folklore, while Twilight introduces unconventional traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portrayal of vampires in literature has evolved significantly over time, with each author contributing their unique spin to the vampire mythology. In Bram Stoker's Dracula, many of the classic vampire traits are present, such as a fear of garlic, the aversion to crosses, and immortality. This novel was built on Eastern European folklore and presented vampires as cursed beings seeking the blood of the living. The character of Dracula is a representation of the monsters lurking beneath the surface of Victorian society, encapsulating themes common in Gothic tales.
When comparing Dracula to other vampires like those in Varney the Vampire and Twilight, we notice some differences. For instance, Varney showed the vampire's ability to recover from injuries quickly, adding to the lore's depiction of a creature with hardened resilience. On the other hand, vampires from the Twilight series, written by Stephenie Meyer, brought to the genre a significant departure from traditional mythology, featuring vampires who sparkle in the sunlight rather than be hurt by it, and they lack the aversion to garlic or holy relics.
Across all these works, however, immortality remains a consistent trait of vampire characters, highlighting the timeless allure of these enigmatic figures in literature and mythology. While attributes such as lack of reflection in mirrors or the need for an invitation to enter a home vary between tales, immortality is a core aspect that characterizes the vampire's exclusion from the natural cycle of life and death.