The only book that started the vampire industry with a boom is the book Dracula written by Bram Stoker. Dracula had the most suspenseful and frightening plot as well as unique characters. Some characters stood out more than others, notably the alien Dr. Van Helsing. Van Helsing is a philosopher and metaphysician who plays many important roles in this novel. His character's personality, major actions/reactions, themes, and demonstrated motivations made him a useful and important character throughout the story. Who is Van Helsing? This is a common question that any reader would ask not only Van Helsing, but every major character in the story. Bram Stoker shows the personality of the characters in this book through their major actions and the reaction of other characters. He uses other characters' reaction to Van Helsing to show the reader Van Helsing's personality and traits. “We shuddered with horror. I could see by the flickering light that even Van Helsing’s iron nerve was failing” (Stoker 181). From this quote, the reader can conclude that Bram Stoker refers to Van Helsing as someone with an iron nerve. This means that Van Helsing could be described as a strong-willed man. “My friend, it was because I wanted to show you gentleness, for I know that you loved this sweet lady” (Stoker 166). When Van Helsing tells Seward that Lucy made the bite marks on the children's necks, Dr. Seward asks Van Helsing if he is crazy. Through this, the reader can conclude that Bram Stoker characterizes Van Helsing as compassionate, and Bram Stoker differentiates Van Helsing as a character who does not act on impulse but thinks before he speaks..Although Bram Stoker does not use d 'major actions for char...... middle of paper ......udent of the brain - how you accept hypnotism and reject mind reading. These motivations make Dr. Van Helsing's character act in a certain way, which sets him apart from others. Bram Stoker did an incredible job making Dr. Van Helsing a memorable character in the book Dracula. Van Helsing's character took major risks/actions in the story. All this sets him apart from the other characters. His reactions to major actions taken simply showed us his compassionate personality. Although he had similar motivations and themes to other characters, Bram Stoker had Van Helsing play a larger role with them. Dr. Van Helsing was the brains of the novel and perhaps one of the most important characters. Without his help, the Count would never have been arrested and the story as a whole would not have had such a suspenseful plot..