Special abilities

Some vampires have special abilities gained or enhanced when they are turned into a vampire. In The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, it is revealed by Riley that one in about every fifty vampires is 'talented'.

"When you are human, everything is as if in a cocoon. But when you are turned into a vampire everything opens up to a better, but scarier, you."

- Riley

Explanation
When a human has a particularly intense skill or desire, it gets much stronger after their transformation and becomes a power of some sort. For example, Bella's shield originally only covered her, but after becoming a vampire she could project it to surround those around her.

A large majority of vampiric gifts are based on the mind, but there have been certain exceptions as some powers work physically.

Eleazar has explained that every gift is unique, never working the same way twice because no one ever thinks exactly the same way. This is proven by the differences in similar gifts among vampires, for example Edward and Aro, Bella and Renata, or Maggie and Charles.

It has been speculated that gifts can be passed down genetically, but influence of intrauterine environment during pregnancy and upbringing during infancy and teen years have not been assessed. The three generations of the Swan family, Charlie, Bella and Renesmee, are examples of abilities passed down this way.

Other talents
These vampires have abilities that are not quantifiably supernatural.


 * Note: Some vampires may have additional special traits beyond their main ability, as with Edward's incredible speed and mastery of the piano apart from his mind-reading gift.

Categories
Certain powers' capabilities land in specific categories, though it is rather difficult at times because no talent ever works the exact same way. For instance, an ability that protects any part of the bearer is called a "shield", and one that tracks a target is called a "tracker". Since Edward and certain other vampires possess abilities to "read" things, they can be considered "readers"; also, vampires with the power to project a sort of illusion can be considered "illusionists".