Frankenstein Characters

Victor Frankenstein

The son of Alphonse and Caroline Frankenstein. Grew up with a “sublime” childhood. Treats his adopted “sister” Elizabeth like his property/pet; they are, however, extremely close.

Direct characterization: he is described by Walton (narrator) as absolutely amazing, quite literally the peak of human nobility. Walton is literally in love with him. But, uh, not gay…

Key scenes: gets taken on the boat but doesn’t want and stuff; his mother’s death (and dying wish for his union with Elizabeth) acts as a catalist for his scientific advancements as well; lastly, his moving to university also acts as him moving away from the innocence of his childhood.

Role in plot: creator of the being!!!

Elizabeth

Adopted sister of Victor. She is described as the epitomy of feminine nature: beatiful, graceful, elegant, innocent, etc. — i.e., the ingenue beauty.

Direct characterization: only really described by Victor and in an exceedingly praising manner.

Key scenes: adoption, getting sick, etc.

Role in plot: ingenue idk… motivates Victor? I haven’t gotten that far.

Walton

The narrator and writer of the letters to Margaret (his sister), which compose the entirety of the novel (I think).

Direct characterization: he never describes himself, unfortunately, in physical appearance; he does, however, clearly think very highly of himself.

Key scenes: he becomes mostly irrelevant after the four letters introducing the novel’s story; in one of these letters he briefly observes Frankenstein’s being though, which is the first mention/sighting we get of it.

Role in plot: the unreliable narrator and potentially he who will break the laws of nature as Frankenstein did — and suffer the consequences.

Henry Clerval

Victor’s best friend. He acts as a better version of Victor, a good alternative.

Justine Moritz

Beautiful and all that, similar to Elizabeth’s aunt, i.e., Victor’s mother. She is accused of murdering William (Victor’s brother), though Victor and Elizabeth believe this to be a false accusation (Victor thinks its the being).