Written in an epistolary format, Dracula recalls the experiences of a young lawyer called Jonathan Harker, who pays a visit to Count Dracula on the border of Transylvania to deal with the purchase of some property. After Harker leaves Dracula's castle, having nearly been the victim of vampires, a Russian ship runs aground off Whitby and the captain's log details the gradual disappearance of the crew. Meanwhile, Lucy Westenra, who lives in Whitby, begins to sleepwalk and suffer bouts of dementia. Despite attempts to save her, Lucy is found dead. Evidence points to Dracula and the race is on to defeat him before he gains control over more victims.