# R. M. Renfield — Dracula character guide

> R. M. Renfield in Dracula by Bram Stoker.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Renfield, Mr. Renfield, poor Renfield

**First appearance:** 0007-v

## Snapshot

Renfield is Dr.

## Who they are

Renfield is Dr. Seward's prize lunatic at Carfax, a man who eats living things to absorb their life and who keeps meticulous notes on his own 'philosophy.' His sudden docility, his terror at nightfall, and his bursts of loyalty toward Mina hint that he answers to a power Seward cannot see. He is the asylum's human barometer for Dracula's arrival — a mind already broken open by the Count's proximity, and a warning the hunters only half understand.

## In the story

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/v)

Observed by Dr. Seward as a patient with a sanguine temperament and a fixed idea.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/ix)

Experiences violent paroxysms at noon and sunset, then becomes calm; abandons his fly-collecting habit.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/xix)

Shows earnestness and passion in his entreaties; later kisses Mina's hand and asks for her blessing.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/xx)

Returns to fly-catching and singing; shows signs of connection to Dracula's actions.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/xxi)

Found severely injured with a fractured skull and broken back after being attacked by Dracula.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/chapters/xxii)

Found dead with a crushed face and broken neck, having called out 'God!' before his fall.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/characters/renfield
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dracula_se/characters