Frankenstein Characters
by Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein is introduced as a tortured man on his deathbed, bent on destroying the creature he arrogantly brought into existence. However, in his youth, he was a bright and curious boy full of boundless optimism who hoped to leave a lasting impression on humanity. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, to doting parents, Victor leads a happy childhood. As a child, he was fascinated by the writings of ancient alchemists, which spurred his interest in studying immortality. After he enters the University of Ingolstadt, he learns to combine his love for mysticism with more modern methodologies. (Read our extended character analysis of Victor Frankenstein.)

The Creature

The creature is the product of Victor Frankenstein’s labors, a shockingly ugly, eight-foot-tall being assembled and animated from dead tissue. Victor designs him to be beautiful, a higher version of the human form. However, after seeing the creature’s ghastly visage for the first time, Victor flees in disgust, and the creature is left alone in the world. However, despite the creature’s repulsive appearance, Victor has apparently succeeded in creating a superior being; the creature is faster, stronger, and more resilient than the average human, and he shows himself to be articulate, rational, and capable of deep emotional...