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Table of Contents PLOT (Structure) The plot structure of the book is divided into passages of entries in journals, actual action, and the ending climax. The characters give insights into their individual feelings and the happenings in their life so the reader is made aware of all the happenings in each of the character’s life. The book opens with the persona of Jonathan Harker entering his fears and feelings of ‘amiss’ and uneasiness in his journal. He is the one who first gives the reader an introduction to the gory happenings in Dracula’s castle. Count Dracula is a vampire and his persona is slowly unraveled as Jonathan Harkin recounts his traumatic stay at Dracula’s castle. His character also develops during his account giving deep insights into his persona. Mina’s letters and journals too are a great source of information giving profound insights. Their special love and loyalty also comes out very openly as Jonathan marks entries about recipes etc. to Mina, and Mina talks about her alarm and fear on Jonathan’s absence. Her letters to Lucy also tells the reader of her friendship and love for the other girl. Lucy’s frivolous nature comes to the fore, when, in her letter, she talks about her relationship and proposal from her three suitors, Arthur Holmwood, Dr. Seward and Quincey Morris. The suitors too, in her account, are given color and traits.
Jonathan Harker had escaped the Count’s evil and had vowed to forget the horror he had witnessed. This is recounted in his journal. However, Dracula does not let his victims ever escape. He is in England and after sucking the blood of Lucy, Mina’s friend; his next intended victim is Mina, Jonathan’s wife. Jonathan joins a band of brave souls willing to face death in order to destroy the Dracula. There is a progressive action in the book. As each character recounts his part in the book, he plots unfolds slowly and steadily as the action builds up to a breathless level. Dr. Seward's account is done in a most clinical manner, which is typical of the doctor. He is amazed at his patients’ strange ways but his emotions come to the fore, where Lucy is considered. He is in love with Lucy, so he reacts in a normal manner and not like a doctor. Abraham Van Helsing has very few entries and does not have any journal except for the last when he talks into Doctor Seward’s phonograph and a memorandum. The action is described in great depth with insights on every character’s feelings and horror, as Van Helsing try to save Lucy or when they kill Lucy, the vampire or at the end, Dracula’s killing. As journals are written, the final action culminates as insights build up for the actual action. Each action leads to the ending climax where Dracula, the antagonist is killed. The plot structure culminates from entries, actions and climaxes. Undoubtedly, this has a more powerful impact rather than an ordinary narrative. | |
