All 8 Uses of

however
in
Interview with the Vampire

I should say first, however, that the plantation was in a state of pandemonium.†
Part 1

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.

Lestat was the first to discover we were locked in, however.†
Part 1

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using "though", "in spite of that", "in contrast", "nevertheless", etc.

It was amazingly clean of vermin, however, though occasionally their bodies might be found, weightless and dry, as if the creatures had been dead for days.†
Part 2 *

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.

We'll know these answers when we find those who can tell us, those who've possessed knowledge for centuries, for however long creatures such as ourselves have walked the earth.†
Part 2 *

however long = whatever length of time

I remember it was miles from the coast, however, and we'd been traveling alone by carriage.†
Part 2

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.

There I am powerless, however ....this creation of Madeleine is done.†
Part 3

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using "though", "in spite of that", "in contrast", "nevertheless", etc.

I did know, however, that before I was finished I might encounter those ticket-sellers, those ushers, those men who swept up after, and might well remain inside to guard the vampires in their daily sleep.†
Part 3

however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.

It was something rich, however, and almost sweet, like the fragrance of the jasmine and the roses that crowded the old courtyard garden which I saw through the iron gates.†
Part 4

Definitions:

(1) (however as in: However, complications may...)
though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)

(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(2) (however as in: However much she tried...)
to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
(3) (however as in: However you do it, get it done!)
in whatever way
(4) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

Much more rarely (and arguably incorrectly), however can be used to intensify the word how, as when one says "However did you find her?" Grammarians would suggest using two words for that usage: "How ever did you find her?"