A curious, optimistic, thoughtful and brave orphan, she doesn’t realize that her parents were killed by vampires. Raised by her grandfather Van Helsing, he has taught her archery, whittling and garlic weaving without telling her why. She is attracted to goth culture, is an intrepid journalist for Whitby Middle School's newspaper, and is always getting her bestie Lucy out of trouble. She takes the lead in figuring out how to help Vlad and Lucy, even while battling Dracula. She and Jonathan Harker might have feelings for each other one day, but for now they are just friends. LEAD

A goth girl, on the outside she has a droll, sarcastic wit, but underneath she has a soft spot for animals and people in need of care. The photographer for the school paper, she lives with her mother, school nurse Sue Ward since the death of her father, and she and Mina have bonded over losing a parent. Lucy sleepwalks, has a crush on Art, and is quick to assume the good in people. She inadvertently gets turned into a vampire and goes on a quest with Mina, Jonathan and Vlad to hopefully stop Dracula from turning the town into his vampire army. LEAD

Vlad is a 150-year-old curmudgeon trapped in a 13-year-old boy’s body. While he’s still young for a vampire, it will often feel like Mina gained another grandpa. Vlad is very serious and focused on his treasure-hunting task, which at first strikes his fellow students as off-putting. Once Mina, Lucy, and Jonathan take the time to know and understand Vlad, they will learn the misjudgments of their first impressions. As Vlad begins to trust his new human friends, he will become more comfortable with them and open up. Since he’s always tired during the day because the sun drains his energy/powers, Vlad isn’t the most fun when the sun is up. He does have a quirky collection of sun hats and umbrellas, though. At night, Vlad comes alive, eager to live as a human again. His new human friends reinforce for him what his life could be. LEAD

The preppy Class President and member of the Debate Team, Jonathan works hard to make sure everyone gets along at school. He personally takes Vlad under his wing. Jonathan is the third wheel of Mina and Lucy’s tight-knit friendship, but he doesn’t mind. Jonathan and Mina have been friends since preschool, and even though they grew up to dress differently, they are still good friends, and the girls always make sure to include him in their shenanigans. Sometimes Jonathan thinks he sees Mina as more than a friend. Jonathan knows the town of Whitby like the back of his hand because his parents are in real estate; their dinner table talk means he knows all about the historic houses in the area and who’s moving where. His knowledge and resourcefulness come in especially handy when it’s time to track down Dracula and save his friends and the town. He’s practical and often the last to believe in something (like Vlad being a vampire), as he requires plenty of hard evidence. LEAD

A retired professor, Dr. Van Helsing has worn many hats over the years, but these days his primary job is to be the best grandfather to his darling Mina. He has an open mind, an iron nerve, and is very sympathetic and caring with his granddaughter and her friends. Not to mention, he has a pair of the bushiest eyebrows known to man. He is not one to dismiss the kids; in fact, he often encourages their inquisitive natures and pushes them to problem solve. “Do not be afraid to think,” is his favorite saying. He provides a safe space for them, and is often the voice of reason. He is first to believe Mina and Lucy when they think Vlad is a vampire. He even helps them prove it. While Van Helsing has a habit of publicly showing up in his pajamas, he’s still very highly regarded and respected in the community. In fact, he serves on the Town Council and oversees the annual Blue Flame Treasure Hunt - a misdirection to protect the real treasure from falling into the wrong hands. Van Helsing’s top priority is protecting Mina at all costs. LEAD

An eccentric, odd lunch lady at Whitby Middle School. The kids don’t realize Wren ever had a child, so it’s strange to them when Vlad shows up claiming to be Wren’s son. Vlad hypnotized Wren into playing the part of his mother so he can fly under the radar. While she seems like a doting mom to her fake son, she’s ultimately swayed by Dracula’s influence the most, as he is able to perform a stronger hypnosis on her and command her actions. She also has a habit of offering the kids chocolate covered crickets as a snack, and otherwise making their food as squirmy as possible. Unbeknownst to Wren, Dracula commands her to do his dirty work: like stealing the treasure from Vlad and aiding in Lucy’s vampiric transition. SUPPORTING

Lucy’s secret crush who also has a crush on her. He is shy, romantic and quiet, especially when compared to our talkative heroines. SUPPORTING

A Texas-born, cowboy-style transplant to New England, he tries hard to maintain peace and order at the school. He finds himself quite entertaining and is frustrated that the kids don't share his delight at his own bad puns and dad jokes. He has a penchant for chewing on sunflower seeds constantly and refers to himself in the third person as “The Quincipal.” SUPPORTING