Final answer:
In literature, vampires are commonly depicted as creatures that drain the life force or vitality of others, often to maintain their immortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In literature, a vampire figure is typically known to drain the life force or vitality of other characters. While vampires may occasionally inspire other themes within a story, such as romantic tension or moral dilemmas, their primary function in gothic and horror genres is often as antagonists who maintain their immortality or supernatural existence by consuming human blood. This concept has been explored in various literary texts and folklore, also reflecting the monsters that can be found within human society.