Figurative vampirism

Explanation or usage

Figurative vampirism is a literary pattern in which one character exploits another, drawing on their vitality, freedom, or opportunities. The story need not contain a supernatural creature. Look for a sustained pattern of unequal benefit and harm, rather than inferring vampirism from a disliked character or an age difference alone.

Common misunderstandings

Any older or powerful character is a vampire.

In How to Read Literature Like a Professor Revised

General context reviewed · book attribution and sources pending

Use this concept to distinguish literal vampires from the exploitative relationship pattern associated with literary vampirism.