These novels are often about vampires, werewolves and other supernatural creatures. They usually set in a world where the paranormal is hidden from the normal humans. The main characters usually get involved in some sort of mystery or danger related to these supernatural elements.
Often, there is a strong female lead. She might be an ordinary human at first who gets thrown into the world of the paranormal. And then there are the vampires, which are usually the central supernatural beings in these novels. There could also be other characters like witches or werewolves who interact with the main characters.
They often have a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Vampires are typically depicted with their immortality, fangs, and a thirst for blood. Werewolves usually transform during the full moon and have enhanced strength and senses. In 'dead until dark' type of novels, there is usually a blend of the two supernatural elements which creates a complex and exciting plot.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this particular series in detail. But typically in vampire novels, there's often a central vampire character who is either the protagonist or antagonist. There might also be a human character who gets involved with the vampire world, perhaps a love interest or a detective - type figure trying to figure out the vampire secrets.
Well, a significant theme is the exploration of the 'otherness'. The supernatural characters in 'Dead Until Dark' are different from the ordinary, and the novels look at how society views and reacts to them. Also, there's the theme of survival, both for the humans in a world with dangerous supernaturals and for the supernaturals themselves who might be hunted or persecuted.
Sookie Stackhouse is a main character. She's a telepathic waitress who gets involved with the supernatural world. Bill Compton, a vampire, is also a key character. He has a complex relationship with Sookie.
One interesting aspect is the unique vampire lore. They might have different abilities or weaknesses compared to traditional vampire stories. For example, their interaction with daylight could be different. Another aspect could be the characters. There might be complex and intriguing vampire characters that draw readers in with their personalities and backstories. Also, the setting of the novels could be very atmospheric, creating a spooky and alluring world for the vampires to inhabit.
Sookie Stackhouse is the most important character. She is a telepathic waitress. Her special ability makes her unique and also gets her involved in the supernatural world around her.
Love and relationships are also important themes. Sookie has various romantic involvements, especially with the vampire Bill. These relationships are complicated by the different natures of the characters, like the fact that Bill is a vampire and has different values and needs compared to Sookie as a human.
One interesting 'Dead Until Dark' fanfiction could be those that explore the backstories of the minor characters in more depth. For example, fanfictions might focus on how a particular vampire came to be in the world of the story. Another type could be ones that change the romantic pairings, giving a fresh take on the relationships in the original work.