Before Dracula, there was Carmilla.

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 gothic novella, “Carmilla,” follows the story of Laura who was captivated by a dream she had as a child; she was visited by a mysterious woman who she swears was real, though no proof was ever found.

She was unable to forget the dream, even as she grew into her teenage years. She wished for a friend that reminded her of the woman in her dream.

Her wishes are answered when a carriage crashes outside her home, bringing a young woman named Carmilla into her life.

They instantly recognize one another from the dream they shared in their younger years.

The two girls immediately become close friends. Carmilla, however, increases the concerns of Laura’s family about her vampirism through her abrupt mood changes and her romantic advances toward Laura.

As the deaths of various women strike the nearby town, Carmilla immediately raises suspicions because of her actions. 

Carmilla is hiding a secret from Laura; she refuses to join prayers, sleeps most of the day and seems to sleepwalk outside during the night.

Nightmares torment Laura’s sleep. A beast punctures her breast and she sees Carmilla at the foot of her bed, covered in blood.

After the publication of “Carmilla,” Irish author Bram Stoker took many inspirations from the novella to implement in his 1897 novel “Dracula.” The main vampire characters share many of the same qualities from their backgrounds to the way they entice their victims. 

Carmilla’s romantic attraction toward Laura has made her a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ culture, as the representation of a lesbian relationship in classic literature was a rare occasion. The novella is now considered a staple in queer culture due to the implied love between Laura and Carmilla.

“Carmilla” is a captivating story about female sexuality and the supernatural. The novella has served as inspiration for some of the most widely known vampire media that has become popular today.