Varney the Vampire FAQs

Who wrote Varney the Vampire, or the Feast of Blood?

Varney the Vampire was published by the London-based publisher Edward Lloyd, who paid his authors by the line and had a policy against publishing writers’ names alongside their work. Because of this, it’s unclear who wrote Varney the Vampire. Some people believe it was written by James Malcolm Rymer, while others think it was Thomas Preskett Prest. Many more believe both authors had a hand in writing Varney the Vampire. Due to the many inconsistencies and mistakes throughout the work, a joint-effort seems likely because the errors may be attributable to the left hand not knowing what the right hand was doing.

What is the plot of Varney the Vampire and who are the main characters?

The story follows  the exploits of Sir Francis Varney, a vampire who terrorizes the Bannerworth family and others. His actions are the result of  complex motives, which are not readily apparent during the early chapters. The Bannerworth family is introduced in the first chapter, when Flora Bannerworth becomes the vampire’s first victim. The other members of the household are introduced in the second chapter, beginning with her brothers, Harry and George. followed by her mother, and Mr. Marchdale, an old friend of Mrs. Bannerworth. Marchdale has been a guest at the house since visiting the family after Mr. Bannerworth’s death. Capable and resourceful, Mr. Marchdale quickly proves himself to be a valuable ally in the family’s time of distress. Other characters, such as Dr. Chillingworth, are introduced in subsequent chapters.

How does Varney differ from later vampire portrayals, such as Dracula?

Unlike Dracula and the vampires in most other traditional vampire stories, Varney is able to walk in the sunlight. He is also a little easier to injure—and kill—with conventional weapons, such as guns and swords, but remains a formidable foe. Varney’s wounds heal when they are exposed to moonlight, which can also reanimate his dead body. The first example of this occurs in the fifth chapter. Other notable differences include his inability to transform himself in to animals, such as a bat or wolf, and a lack of aversion to religious symbols, such as crosses and crucifixes.

Which vampire tropes were introduced by Varney the Vampire?

Varney  is the first vampire with pointed teeth. He is also the first vampire to feed via puncture wounds on the neck. Other tropes introduced by Varney the Vampire include hypnotic powers, and superhuman strength.

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