Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein is the ambitious scientist and protagonist of Mary Shelley’s novel. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and desire to conquer death lead him to create a living being from dead matter. This act of creation ultimately results in tragic consequences, as he grapples with the repercussions of his actions and the monster he has brought to life.

The Creature

The Creature, often referred to as Frankenstein’s monster, is the being created by Victor Frankenstein. Despite his grotesque appearance, he possesses a deep capacity for emotion and a longing for companionship. His experiences of rejection and isolation drive him to seek revenge against his creator, highlighting themes of abandonment and the quest for identity within the narrative.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Elizabeth Lavenza is Victor Frankenstein’s fiancĂ©e and represents the ideal of femininity and domesticity in the novel. Her character serves as a contrast to Victor’s obsessive pursuits. Elizabeth’s tragic fate underscores the consequences of Victor’s hubris and his failure to protect those he loves, ultimately illustrating the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval is Victor Frankenstein’s close friend and a foil to Victor’s character. He embodies the qualities of compassion, creativity, and a love for the natural world. Henry’s unwavering support for Victor highlights the importance of friendship and human connection, which are starkly absent in Victor’s life as he becomes consumed by his scientific endeavors.

Alphonse Frankenstein

Alphonse Frankenstein is Victor’s father, who represents the values of family and responsibility. His concern for Victor’s well-being and his attempts to guide him reflect the theme of parental influence. Alphonse’s character serves as a reminder of the importance of familial bonds, which are strained throughout the novel due to Victor’s obsession with his experiments.

Justine Moritz

Justine Moritz is a servant in the Frankenstein household who becomes a victim of the Creature’s actions. Accused of a crime she did not commit, her tragic fate highlights the themes of injustice and the consequences of societal judgment. Justine’s character emphasizes the vulnerability of those who are marginalized and the impact of Victor’s negligence on innocent lives.

William Frankenstein

William Frankenstein is Victor’s younger brother whose murder by the Creature sets off a chain of tragic events. His death serves as a catalyst for Victor’s guilt and the monster’s quest for vengeance. William’s innocence and untimely demise underscore the destructive nature of Victor’s ambition and the far-reaching consequences of his actions.

Walton

Robert Walton is an explorer who encounters Victor Frankenstein in the Arctic. His letters frame the narrative and provide insight into Victor’s tragic story. Walton’s ambition mirrors Victor’s, and through their interactions, the novel explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the quest for knowledge, ultimately questioning the moral implications of scientific exploration.

De Lacey

De Lacey is a blind man who represents kindness and understanding. The Creature seeks solace in his company, hoping to be accepted despite his appearance. De Lacey’s inability to see the Creature’s physical form allows for a deeper connection based on empathy, illustrating the novel’s exploration of perception and the nature of humanity beyond superficial judgments.

Agatha and Felix De Lacey

Agatha and Felix De Lacey are the children of De Lacey and represent the themes of love and familial bonds. Their interactions with the Creature reveal the complexities of human relationships and the pain of rejection. Their eventual hostility towards the Creature reinforces the novel’s exploration of societal norms and the consequences of isolation and fear.

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