1. The Nature of Existence: The central conflict revolves around the struggle of being an immortal vampire. Louis, the protagonist, grapples with the moral and existential implications of his undead existence. He is torn between his humanity and his monstrous nature, finding it impossible to reconcile his desire for love and connection with the violence inherent in his condition.
2. The Master-Slave Dynamic: Louis's relationship with Lestat, his maker and a powerful vampire, is fraught with tension. Their power dynamic is constantly shifting, with Louis yearning for freedom and self-determination while Lestat seeks dominance and control. This conflict is amplified by their vastly different personalities and moral compasses.
3. The Search for Purpose: Both Louis and Lestat are driven by a quest for meaning and purpose in their eternal lives. They seek connection and acceptance, grappling with the isolation and loneliness that come with immortality. This search leads them to create a family, a relationship that further complicates their internal struggles.
4. The Morality of Existence: The novel explores the complexities of good and evil, questioning the very definition of morality within the context of an undead existence. Louis's internal struggle with his actions, particularly the killing of humans, reflects the moral dilemmas of a creature trapped between two worlds.
5. The Human-Vampire Conflict: The novel portrays the conflict between vampires and humans, highlighting the fear and prejudice that humans hold towards the undead. This conflict is often portrayed through the lens of Louis's internal struggle, as he tries to reconcile his empathy for humans with his own monstrous nature.
6. The Search for Identity: Throughout the narrative, Louis struggles with his identity, torn between his human past and his vampiric present. He constantly questions who he is and what defines him, leading him to grapple with his own mortality, his relationship with Lestat, and his own internal conflicts.
These conflicts are interwoven throughout the narrative, creating a complex and compelling exploration of themes like existence, identity, and morality.