Part One of Four:
Finding Vampiric Inspiration
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Study famous vampires in literature, television and film. Reviled and revered vampiric characters are born in literature, television and historical accounts, where they resonate with people around the world. When you find a vamp character you like, try to analyze what you find so fascinating about him or her. Some places to start include:John William Polidori's The Vampyre, the first mainstream vampire book. If you can't obtain a copy, find an online version at Project Gutenberg.Bram Stoker's Dracula. This should be readily available in a secondhand book store, but if not, you can read it online at Project Gutenberg. Further, there are several movies based on the character of Dracula.Contemporary vampire stories. There are thousands of vampire-themed books, comics, and graphic novels available to suit every taste. Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles are two well-known modern series, but a quick online search will point you in the direction of many more. Reading books from different decades of the last century would also give you a good idea of how the vampire genre has evolved over time.Several modern network TV shows have featured vampires, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angeland The Vampire Diaries.Vampires have been a staple of horror movies practically since cinema was first created and every manner of vampire has made an appearance on the silver screen. Some classic vampire movies that should definitely be on your watch list include:Nosferatu, Interview with a Vampire, The Lost BoysBlade, Vampires, From Dusk Til Dawn, Underworldand the countless Dracula adaptions.
2
Research vampire myth and legend. Read information gathered about vampire lore, as well as data collected on allegedly "real" vampires. These figures, whose ritualistic crimes or abnormal behavior inspire fear among their communities, crop up regularly throughout history.Some people today still believe that vampires are real and walk among us others believe in them more figuratively as people with "low pranic energy" who drain the life force from others.Seeing the vampire as a historical figure will help you understand why this mythical being still has the power to thrill. Moreover, it will enable serious enthusiasts to better respond to their critics.Dr. Elizabeth Miller is considered to be a foremost expert on Dracula, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry has a number of articles on vampires.
3
Decide what kind of vampire you want to be. Now that you've familiarized yourself with famous vampires and brushed up on your vampire mythology, try to decide which dark interpretation to base your appearance and behavior on. Are you more of a claw-curling Nosferatu than a punk-rock Spike? A smooth-talking Dracula or a butt-kicking Selene?There are many different degrees of vampire; find the one that appeals to you most and best suits your personality and tastes.If you're making vampirism a lifestyle choice, consider easing the transition by simply becoming the vamp version of your authentic self.
EditPart Two of Four:
Adopting the Correct Behaviors and Personality Traits
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Adopt a vampiric demeanor. Now that you’ve filled in the blanks for your chosen vampire style, assemble traits suitable to the personality. There are many stereotypical vampire personality traits -- you may decide to adopt all of them, or just pick and choose your favorites.
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Develop or affect an aversion to sunlight. Being a lover of the night is an essential vampire characteristic, but this love of the dark is balanced by an extreme aversion to sunlight. In fact, if someone opens the curtains or you're forced to walk outside during the day, you should hiss and draw your cloak protectively over your face. You should also claim to be highly photo-sensitive and prone to sunburnChange your sleeping patterns to sleep during the day and wake during the night instead. If possible, you should try to sleep underground so you are less vulnerable. This way, no one can sneak in and expose you to sunlight while you sleep.During the day, you should move furtively and look slightly paranoid, always on the lookout. Vampires can never feel fully at ease during the day. Once night falls, however, you can relax and be your normal fearless, pompous self again. You are master (or mistress) of the night after all.This may conflict with school, work or other events. Ask someone to teach you from home or choose a night job if you want to act like a "vintage" or old styled vampire. However you could also retain a "normal" sleeping pattern and act as a modern styled vampire and wear glitter on your skin (à la Twilight).
