What are the characteristics of the Red Death in the Masque of the red death?

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," the Red Death is characterized as a gruesome and deadly plague that causes intense suffering, identifiable by its abrupt onset and vivid symptoms, including red stains on the body and profuse bleeding. It symbolizes the inevitability of death, as it spares no one regardless of wealth or status. The Red Death's presence is marked by a sense of terror and despair, reflecting the futility of trying to escape mortality, as seen through the actions of Prince Prospero and his guests. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that death is an inescapable part of life.