In Mary Shelley’s iconic novel, “Frankenstein,” a cast of intriguing characters come to life. From the brilliant scientist Victor Frankenstein to the misunderstood creature he creates, each character adds depth and complexity to the story. Explore this comprehensive list of characters that will take you on a thrilling journey through Shelley’s world.
Victor Frankenstein: The protagonist of the novel, Victor is a young scientist who becomes obsessed with the idea of creating life. He is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of science and achieve greatness, but his actions have disastrous consequences. Victor is haunted by guilt and remorse throughout the story.
The Creature: Often referred to as Frankenstein’s monster, the creature is the result of Victor’s experiments. Despite his gruesome appearance, the creature reveals a complex and emotional nature. He longs for companionship and acceptance, but is ultimately rejected by society, leading him to seek revenge.
Elizabeth Lavenza: Elizabeth is Victor’s adoptive sister and later becomes his wife. She is a caring and compassionate character, who loves Victor deeply. Elizabeth symbolizes innocence and the potential for a peaceful life that Victor desires, but is tragically taken away from him.
Robert Walton: The character through whose letters the main narrative is told, Robert Walton is an Arctic explorer who discovers Victor Frankenstein on his journey. He provides an important perspective on the themes of ambition and pursuit of knowledge.
Henry Clerval: Victor’s close friend and companion, Henry provides a contrast to Victor’s intense and ambitious personality. He is characterized by his kindness, loyalty, and love for literature. Henry serves as a reminder of the importance of friendship and human connection in a world filled with violence and isolation.
Justine Moritz: Justine is a young woman who is wrongly accused of a crime and executed. She represents innocence and the tragic consequences of Victor’s actions. Justine’s story serves as a critique of society’s judgment and the destructive power of prejudice.
Professor Waldman: Victor’s professor at the University of Ingolstadt, Professor Waldman fuels Victor’s ambition and curiosity. He introduces Victor to the world of science and serves as a mentor figure. However, Waldman’s teachings also contribute to Victor’s downfall.
This character list provides an overview of the key figures in Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Each character brings their own unique perspective and influences the events of the story in significant ways. Through their interactions and choices, Shelley explores themes such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of creating life.
Whether you’re a fan of the original novel, or are just discovering the world of “Frankenstein,” this character list will help you delve deeper into the rich and complex narrative. Get to know these memorable characters and join the vibrant “Frankenstein” fandom community, where discussions about the characters and their significance continue to feed our curiosity and fascination.
Victor Frankenstein: The Ambitious Scientist
Victor is the son of Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein and grows up in a loving and close-knit family. He is particularly close to his adopted sister Elizabeth Lavenza, whom he later marries. Victor’s upbringing and education shape his character, and he is motivated by a desire to discover the hidden properties of nature.
While studying at the University of Ingolstadt, Victor becomes obsessed with the possibility of overcoming death and brings to life a creature made from stitched-together body parts. However, upon seeing the grotesque creation he has brought into existence, Victor is filled with horror and regret.
The violence and rejection that Victor experiences throughout the novel are a result of his own actions and decisions. He holds himself responsible for the deaths of his family members and friends, as the monster seeks revenge on him for creating him and then abandoning him.
Victor’s character represents the Enlightenment ideals of scientific progress and the pursuit of knowledge. However, he also showcases the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical implications of playing god. Victor’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of meddling with the natural order.
Throughout the novel, Victor is plagued by feelings of guilt and remorse over the monster’s actions. He becomes increasingly isolated from society and tormented by his own creation. Victor’s goal for the majority of the novel is to destroy the creature, but he struggles with following through on his wishes.
Victor’s close friends and mentors include Henry Clerval, who provides a source of emotional support and companionship, and Professor Waldman, who encourages Victor’s scientific pursuits. He also encounters other characters such as Mr. Krempe and Mr. Kirwin in his search for knowledge.
Victor’s obsession with his creation and his subsequent isolation from his loved ones leads to the breakdown of his mental and emotional well-being. Ultimately, Victor’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing god and the destructive consequences that can arise from unchecked ambition.
The Monster: A Tragic Creation
Initially, the Monster is an innocent, like a child. He has the desire to learn and understand the world around him. However, as he interacts with society, the Monster is met with nothing but violence and rejection, which ultimately shapes his behavior and actions.
The Monster’s tragic fate is a direct result of the choices and actions of his creator, Victor Frankenstein. Victor abandons his creation, unable to bear the sight of what he has brought to life. Left alone, the Monster longs for companionship and forms a heartfelt bond with the Frankensteins’ housekeeper, Justine Lavenza. Unfortunately, this connection is short-lived, as Justine is wrongly accused of a crime and executed.
The Monster’s search for acceptance leads him to the De Lacey family, who treat him kindly at first. He observes their interactions and learns about language, emotions, and social norms. However, his hopes of being accepted and loved by this family are shattered when they see him for what he truly is and reject him.
In his despair, the Monster turns to violence as a means of venting his anger and frustration. He seeks revenge on Victor by taking the lives of his loved ones, including his younger brother William, his friend Henry Clerval, and his wife Elizabeth. The Monster’s actions are driven by a deep desire for Victor to understand the pain he has caused.
Despite his monstrous appearance, the Creature possesses a deep capacity for emotion. He expresses his desires to be accepted, to have a companion, and to experience love and connection. These human-like wishes make the Monster a tragic figure, highlighting the themes of loneliness, rejection, and the consequences of playing god.
In popular culture and the fandom of “Frankenstein,” the Monster is often depicted as a terrifying creature. However, a closer look at Shelley’s novel reveals a complex character with a tragic backstory. Whether you view the Monster as a sympathetic figure or a violent creature, exploring his story provides a deeper understanding of the themes and characters in “Frankenstein”.
Elizabeth Lavenza: Victor’s Beloved
Elizabeth is the daughter of a Milanese nobleman, who, in despair, gives her to the Frankenstein family. Her arrival at the Frankenstein household is a turning point for Victor, as the two quickly develop a close bond and become inseparable. Elizabeth’s presence brings happiness and joy to the Frankenstein family, especially Victor, who considers her “more than sister”.
Despite her gentle nature, Elizabeth is not a typical female character of the time. She possesses a strong will and desires to be more than just a wife. Elizabeth wishes to be free and educated, demonstrating her progressive mindset in a society that often limited women’s opportunities.
Elizabeth’s character is a source of light and hope for Victor, who is wrestling with his creation, the monstrous creature. When the creature murders Elizabeth, Victor becomes consumed by grief and embarks on a quest for revenge, leading to a series of tragic events.
Elizabeth Lavenza’s character serves as a stark contrast to the violence and darkness surrounding Victor’s life. Her love for Victor and her unwavering support make her a significant figure in the novel. Elizabeth embodies the ideals of love, family, and enlightenment in a book filled with pain and suffering.
Throughout the novel, Elizabeth’s character is explored in more depth, showcasing her role as Victor’s moral compass. Despite her untimely death, Elizabeth’s impact on the story and Victor’s life cannot be understated.
Robert Walton: The Arctic Explorer
Background
Robert Walton comes from a wealthy and respected English family. He is well-educated and has a strong interest in the Enlightenment, seeking knowledge and understanding. Despite being close to his sister, Walton is restless and feels a deep void in his life.
Meeting Victor Frankenstein
During his Arctic expedition, Walton encounters Victor Frankenstein, who is on the run from his own creation, the Monster. Walton and Victor quickly develop a close friendship, as they share their ambitions and desires for greatness.
Walton’s Role in the Novel
Walton serves as a narrator and a frame of reference for the events that unfold in the novel. Through his letters to his sister, Margaret, the reader gets an overview of the story. Walton also acts as a voice of reason and morality, questioning Victor’s actions and the consequences of playing God.
Like Victor, Walton is driven by his desire for knowledge and discovery, but unlike Victor, he is more cautious and considers the consequences of his actions. He serves as a foil to Victor, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of considering ethical boundaries.
Robert Walton’s character adds depth and complexity to “Frankenstein.” He represents the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to push boundaries, but also serves as a cautionary figure, questioning the consequences of such endeavors.
FAQ
What is the name of the main character in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein?
The main character in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein is Victor Frankenstein. He is a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature in his laboratory.
What is Victor Frankenstein’s occupation?
Victor Frankenstein is a scientist and a student of natural philosophy.
Why does Victor Frankenstein create the monster?
Victor Frankenstein creates the monster out of a desire to discover the secret of life and to play God. He believes that he can create a being that is superior to humans.
What is the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and the monster?
The relationship between Victor Frankenstein and the monster is one of creator and creation. Victor initially rejects and abandons the monster, which leads to the monster seeking revenge on Victor and his loved ones. The two are locked in a cycle of hatred and destruction.
