A talented young doctor, formerly Van Helsing's pupil, Seward is the administrator of an insane asylum not far from Dracula's English home. Throughout the novel, Seward conducts interviews with one of his patients, Renfield, in order to learn more about mental illness. Although Lucy turns down Seward's marriage proposal, he remains fond of her, and he helps care for her when she mysteriously becomes sick. After Lucy's death, Seward dedicates himself to fighting Dracula.