Though
vampires excel at blending in, they still are outsiders to society in general.
They are somewhat reclusive, seeking not to attract too much attention. They
never seek or stay in the limelight because that would risk discovery of what
they truly are. Not only do most vampires have a reclusive personality, but
they locate themselves on the periphery. Whether this is a villa or mansion on
the outskirts of a city or an exclusive penthouse apartment, the vampire
remains apart in order to protect her identity.
This
behavior is likely influenced by the Victorian mindset, which favored wealthy
recluses with eccentric behavior. This could be traced back further, to the
post-Reformation period rife with its witch hunts where outsiders and recluses
were often targeted by the trials. While the Reformation sought to punish
outsiders, the Victorians regarded their reclusiveness as eccentric, possibly
even desirable given the often deplorable conditions within the cities.
The
reclusiveness adds to the mystery of the vampire, which is also often seen as a
desirable trait. They are not seen as being standoffish, but rather as exotic,
and so maintain a level of freedom with regards to the standards of society.
Count Dracula
was a literal outsider from another country, so his ways were excused by London
society; however even if he had been native-born English, his behavior would
have been excused by the remote location and the wealth he displayed (wealth
excuses nearly all behaviors).
This trait,
at first, seems like it would be an easy way to identify a vampire. Yes, they
have the ability to pass for human, but the trend of remaining apart from
society (both behaviorally and geographically) should stand out as a red flag.
Yet there are enough outsiders to society that the vampires simply blend into
the background, using their affluence as a shield for their privacy and
eccentricities