Chapter Guide

At a Glance

Characters: Jonathan Harker, Count Dracula
Setting: Dracula's Castle, Transylvania
Vibe: Gothic Suspense, Dawning Horror, Isolation, Uncanny Politeness

Performance Roadmap

Narrative Function: To establish the character of the Count—his strange strength, his coldness, his hypnotic politeness—and the oppressive, labyrinthine atmosphere of the castle. This chapter sets the tone for the entire first act.

Pacing & Tone: Start with a sense of Harker's weary travel. The encounter with Dracula should be slow and deliberate. Emphasize the long pauses and the unnerving stillness of the Count to build tension. Your narration should be grounded in Harker's perspective: he is an Englishman trying to rationalize increasingly irrational events.

Key Moments & Director's Notes

The Icy Handshake

The description of Dracula's hand is a key sensory detail. Deliver Harker's description with a tone of shock and physical discomfort. The contrast between the Count's warm words and his deathly cold touch is the central point of this first meeting.

Dracula's Stillness

When Dracula is on the page, he is a point of stillness and ancient authority. The world moves around him. Reflect this in your pacing. Slow down when he speaks, giving his words an almost physical weight and gravity.

The Unseen Servants

The fact that Dracula does everything himself (carries bags, sets the table) is deeply unsettling. Narrate these actions with a sense of detached observation from Harker, letting the listener feel the strangeness of a nobleman performing the duties of a servant.