Appearance of a Vampire

The appearance of vampires has changed drastically over the last two centuries, and can generally be divided into three phases: folklore, classic vampires, and modern vampires. Melton, J. G. (1999). The Vampire Book. 2 ed. p.19-21
== Folklore ==
The vampires of Eastern European folklore were bloated corpses with drum-tight skin and sharp claws. They wore burial clothes and stank of death. Their fingers and toes occasionally showed sign of having been eaten away. These vampires were not horrifying because they were monsters, but because they were disgusting and semi-decayed. 
== Classic Vampires ==
Classic vampires, for the most part, look like fanged humans, to the point that they can successfully pass as members of human high society. Classic vampires are, in short, modern vampires with some of the more monstrous features of folkloric vampires.
Dracula, in Bram Stoker's novel, is described in great detail - he wore black clothes, had long hair (including eyebrows and moustache), had pale skin, hair on the palms of his hands, and long, claw-like fingernails. He also had notably long canines that protruded over his lower lip when his mouth was closed. His eyes were blue, but flashed red when he got emotional. He was elderly initially, though got visibly younger as the novel progressed. John Carradine's portrayal is likely the most novel-accurate. 
Other vampires who fit into this classical style include Carmilla, Lord Ruthven, and Varney the Vampyre. 
== Modern Vampires ==
For the most part, vampires as people understand them in the modern day, generally look like humans with long fangs which may or may not be retractable. 
The typical vampire's appearance is based on that of Dracula, more specifically the versions portrayed by Hamilton Deane and Bela Lugosi. Deane's portrayal in particular is notable for normalising the version of Dracula who becomes an acceptable attendee of Victorian Britain's evening entertainment, with evening clothes, opera cape, and high collar. Deane's image was added to by Lugosi giving Dracula an Eastern European accent, swept-back, slick hair, and a prominent widow's peak. This image was complete by Christopher Lee in Horror of Dracula, giving the character prominent fangs. To a lesser extent, Lee giving Dracula red eyes has also become fairly standard with film vampires at the very least. Since Lee's portrayal, the image of the vampire has been rather set in stone: fangs and cape are main indicators that a character is a vampire, with evening clothes, red eyes, and a widow's peak being used for extra emphasis. These are most evident on cards and the artwork of comic books. 
== See Also ==
* Characteristics of Vampires
== References ==
Category:The Vampire Book