Introduction

The vampire in Nosferatu is a much more tragic figure than the creature generally portrayed in the countless Dracula films and other cinematic portrayals of vampires that followed. I have taken two basic elements - the tragic and the redemptive - and embroidered on them considerably, taking the story as far as possible from the Dracula that most people have come to know. I have avoided any reference to "Dracula" and the creature is referred to only by the name "Nosferatu".

The most significant difference between my version and others of this tale is that the vampire dies because, like Galahad discovering the Holy Grail in the Arthurian legend, he wants to die at this point, for life no longer holds anything more for him. In effect he is redeemed by the purity of Mina, who is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of others.

I have given him the background of a man who began his adult life as a scientist and philosopher, the product of a noble household, who became cynical and disillusioned when he failed to find any meaning to his life.

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