Carmilla is a gothic novella narrated by a young woman named Laura who lives a lonely life in a secluded castle with her father. Their isolation is disrupted by the arrival of the mysterious Carmilla.
Here's a breakdown of the story:
- Laura's isolation: Laura craves companionship, especially from someone her own age.
- Carmilla's arrival: A carriage crash brings Carmilla, a beautiful and alluring young woman, to Laura's doorstep. Carmilla's family is away, and Laura's father agrees to take her in.
- A blossoming relationship: Laura and Carmilla become close friends, and their bond deepens with a subtle undercurrent of intimacy.
- Mysterious deaths: As their friendship grows, strange occurrences plague the village. Local girls are found dead, and rumors of a vampire surface.
- Unexplained illness: Laura becomes increasingly lethargic and experiences disturbing dreams, including one of a large black cat attacking her.
- The truth about Carmilla: Laura starts to suspect Carmilla's true nature, especially after discovering a hidden family crypt containing a woman who strongly resembles Carmilla.
- Confrontation and resolution: With the help of a determined doctor, Laura attempts to confront Carmilla and break the vampire's hold over her