Skip to main content

How did Dracula become the world's most famous vampire? - Stanley Stepanic

3,904,759 Views

23,950 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Over a hundred years after his creator was laid to rest, Dracula lives on as the most famous vampire in history. But this Transylvanian noble – neither the first fictional vampire, nor the most popular of his time – may have remained buried in obscurity if not for a twist of fate. Stanley Stepanic explains how a critical copyright battle catapulted Bram Stoker’s character into literary renown.

Many people incorrectly believe the Vlad III Dracula was a huge inspiration for Stoker in writing his novel, but actually he was only minor and tied primarily to his famous villain’s name. Why do you think perceptions about this fact are often wrong?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Stanley Stepanic
  • Director Phuong Mai NGUYEN
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Animator Phuong Mai NGUYEN
  • Art Director Phuong Mai NGUYEN
  • Character Designer Phuong Mai NGUYEN
  • Storyboard Artist Phuong Mai NGUYEN
  • Editor Phuong Mai Nguyen
  • Collaborator Anahissa Almaraz
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Reading Between the Lines