Dracula is commonly portrayed as a vampire, a supernatural being in folklore and popular culture. Vampires are typically depicted as immortal creatures that sustain themselves by feeding on the life essence, usually blood, of the living. Dracula, as a vampire, possesses various supernatural abilities, such as enhanced strength, speed, and the ability to transform into a bat or mist. He is often associated with being repelled by sunlight, having a vulnerability to garlic, and being able to manipulate and control lesser creatures of the night, such as bats and wolves.
The character of Dracula originated from Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula," published in 1897. Since then, Dracula has become one of the most iconic and enduring figures in vampire lore and has been featured in numerous films, books, and other media adaptations.