Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein, a native of Geneva, is a brilliant scientist whose ambition leads him to discover the secret of creating life. Born to an affluent and nurturing family, Victor’s early life is filled with happiness and the promise of a bright future. His interest in the writings of ancient alchemists ignites his passion for immortality, which he pursues while studying at the University of Ingolstadt. Here, inspired by his mentor M. Waldman, he pushes the boundaries of modern science.

Victor’s life takes a tragic turn when he creates a monstrous being from cadaver parts collected from graveyards and butcher shops. Despite his intentions to craft a being of beauty, the creature’s hideous appearance horrifies Victor, leading him to abandon his creation in fear and disgust. This decision sets off a chain of devastating events as the creature seeks revenge for his creator’s rejection.

Throughout his life, Victor is a man torn between his scientific aspirations and the moral responsibilities of his actions. His selfish pursuit of knowledge results in the loss of his family and friends, including his beloved Elizabeth, his friend Henry Clerval, and his brother William. Despite acknowledging his role in these tragedies, Victor struggles with his own culpability and the consequences of his ambition.

Victor dies on Robert Walton's ship, consumed by his obsessive quest to destroy the creature. His story serves as a cautionary tale for Walton, warning him against the dangers of unchecked ambition. Victor’s inability to foresee the repercussions of his scientific endeavors and his neglect of personal responsibilities leave him as isolated and tormented as the creature he brought to life.

The Creature

The creature, a synthetic being over eight feet tall, is Victor Frankenstein's creation. Assembled from dead tissue, he is intended to be a superior version of a human. However, his ghastly appearance repulses Victor, who abandons the creature to navigate the world alone. Despite his physical deformities, the creature is endowed with intelligence, emotional depth, and a capacity for articulate expression.

Initially, the creature seeks acceptance and companionship but is met with fear and hostility. His education unfolds through observing the De Lacey family, from whom he learns language and empathy. However, the rejection he faces drives him to seek vengeance against his creator. He murders Victor’s brother William and frames Justine Moritz for the crime, leading to her execution. The creature also ends the lives of Elizabeth and Henry Clerval, further tormenting Victor.

In his final confrontation with Victor, the creature laments his existence and the loneliness forced upon him by Frankenstein’s actions. He reveals to Walton, the ship’s captain, that his vengeance was born from a place of deep hurt and isolation. With Victor dead, the creature vows to end his own life, ensuring his solitude ends with him.

Robert Walton

Robert Walton, an ambitious English explorer, serves as the frame narrator of the novel. His letters to his sister Margaret convey Victor Frankenstein’s tragic tale. Walton’s expedition to the Arctic aims to uncover new knowledge and make a mark on the world, but he reconsiders his ambitions after hearing Victor's story.

Walton rescues the exhausted and near-death Victor from the icy waters, forming a bond with him. As Victor recounts his life’s story, Walton is both fascinated and warned by the parallels to his own pursuit of glory. Ultimately, Walton chooses to heed the lessons of caution, turning his ship back towards England to preserve the lives of his crew rather than pursue unknown dangers.

After Victor’s death, Walton listens to the creature’s sorrowful confession, demonstrating empathy and understanding that Victor could not muster. Walton's ability to listen and reflect on Victor's and the creature’s narratives highlights his balanced nature, contrasting with Victor’s obsessive quest for knowledge.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor's foster sister and later his beloved bride. Adopted by the Frankenstein family, she grows up alongside Victor and develops a deep affection for him. Her letters to Victor during his studies at Ingolstadt keep him connected to family matters and the wellbeing of their mutual friends.

Despite the love shared between her and Victor, Elizabeth remains unaware of the existence and threats of the creature. On their wedding night, she falls victim to the creature’s wrath, strangled in retaliation for Victor's destruction of the creature's mate. Elizabeth's death symbolizes the ultimate consequence of Victor's ambitions, and her unselfish character provides a stark contrast to Victor's self-centered pursuits.

Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval, Victor’s closest friend, embodies the ideal balance between emotional and intellectual pursuits. Passionate about languages and literature, Clerval contrasts Victor’s scientific drive with his own love of nature and life. His imagination and sensibility make him a cherished companion to Victor.

Upon Victor's collapse after the creature's creation, Clerval nurses him back to health, demonstrating his protective and nurturing nature—qualities Victor fails to extend to his own creation. Tragically, the creature murders Clerval as part of his vengeance against Victor, who had destroyed the creature’s prospective mate. Clerval's death deeply affects Victor, intensifying his resolve to destroy the creature.

William Frankenstein

William Frankenstein is Victor’s youngest brother, whose innocence and youth make his murder by the creature particularly tragic. William’s death is the creature's first act of revenge against Victor, marking the beginning of a series of personal losses for the Frankenstein family.

William’s murder is framed on Justine Moritz, leading to her unjust execution. Victor’s silent knowledge of the creature's culpability torments him, as he realizes that his creation is responsible for the devastating events unfolding around him.

Justine Moritz

Justine Moritz is a servant adopted by the Frankenstein family, admired for her charm and good nature. After being framed for William’s murder by the creature, she is tried and condemned, maintaining her innocence until her execution.

Her trial and death profoundly impact the Frankenstein family, particularly Elizabeth, who passionately defends her during the trial. Justine’s fate is a direct consequence of Victor's silence and the creature’s machinations, showcasing the destructive ripple effect of Victor’s ambition.

Alphonse Frankenstein

Alphonse Frankenstein, Victor's father, is a man of integrity and compassion, revered for his humanitarian efforts and dedication to his family. His letters to Victor aim to draw him away from his obsessive pursuits and remind him of the importance of familial bonds.

Alphonse’s dedication to his family is evident in his persistent efforts to support Victor, particularly during the trials of Justine and the aftermath of William's murder. He represents the moral and ethical compass that Victor strays from in his pursuit of greatness.

Caroline Frankenstein

Caroline Frankenstein, Victor’s mother, is the orphaned daughter of Beaufort, a family friend. Her marriage to Alphonse Frankenstein brings her into a loving and supportive family environment. She is characterized by her nurturing demeanor, particularly towards Elizabeth and Justine.

Caroline’s death from scarlet fever, contracted while caring for Elizabeth, marks a pivotal moment before Victor’s departure for university. Her life and actions embody selflessness, setting a familial standard that Victor struggles to uphold.

Agatha De Lacey

Agatha De Lacey, daughter of Mr. De Lacey, epitomizes kindness and care within her family. Her gentle nature is evident in her interactions with her father and brother Felix, as well as her acceptance of Safie into their home.

Despite her compassion, Agatha faints at the sight of the creature, highlighting the pervasive fear and prejudice against his appearance. Her reaction underscores the societal rejection that the creature faces, despite his yearning for connection.

Felix De Lacey

Felix De Lacey, a diligent and devoted son, is deeply committed to his family and fiancée, Safie. His assistance to Safie's father, a Turkish convict, leads to their family's exile from France, showcasing his inherent kindness and sense of justice.

However, Felix’s kindness contrasts sharply with his violent reaction to the creature when they first meet. His inability to see beyond the creature’s appearance results in fear-driven aggression, serving as a poignant example of the societal rejection the creature endures.

Mr. De Lacey

Mr. De Lacey, the blind patriarch of the De Lacey family, serves as a temporary beacon of hope for the creature. His blindness allows him to judge the creature by his words rather than his grotesque appearance, offering a rare moment of acceptance.

The creature's interaction with Mr. De Lacey demonstrates his desire for kindness and companionship, which is cruelly shattered when the rest of the family returns and drives him away. Mr. De Lacey’s unbiased approach underscores a recurring theme of the novel: the societal inclination to judge based on appearance rather than character.

Safie

Safie, the young Turkish fiancée of Felix De Lacey, defies cultural expectations by fleeing her homeland to be with him. Her journey reflects her independent spirit, influenced by her mother’s teachings of Christianity and female empowerment.

Safie’s integration into the De Lacey family becomes an educational opportunity for the creature, who learns language alongside her. Her story reflects themes of individual freedom and the pursuit of self-determination, adding depth to the novel’s exploration of cultural and gender issues.

M. Waldman

M. Waldman, Victor’s mentor at the University of Ingolstadt, plays a pivotal role in Victor’s scientific pursuits. His encouragement and lectures inspire Victor to delve deeper into the mysteries of creation and science.

Waldman’s influence on Victor contributes to the latter’s ambitious endeavors, pushing him beyond traditional scientific boundaries. However, unlike Victor, Waldman balances his passion for science with a sense of responsibility, contrasting sharply with Victor’s tunnel vision.