Frankenstein: Characters

Key Characters in Frankenstein

1. Victor Frankenstein
2. The Monster
3. Elizabeth Lavenza
4. Henry Clerval
5. Robert Walton
6. Alphonse Frankenstein
7. Justine Moritz
8. William Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein

Quote: "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body."

Analysis: This quote captures Victor's intense ambition to create life, reflecting his obsession with pushing the limits of science. Shelley uses Victor to explore how dangerous it can be to pursue knowledge without considering the consequences. His focus on "infusing life" shows his desire to play God, leading to tragic outcomes that underline the risks of unchecked ambition.

Quote: "Learn from me... how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge."

Analysis: Victor warns about the dangers of seeking knowledge without moral consideration. Shelley uses his downfall to show that blindly chasing after power can lead to ruin. This quote serves as a cautionary lesson about the limits of human ambition and the potential consequences of overstepping those boundaries.

The Monster

Quote: "I am malicious because I am miserable."

Analysis: The Monster's words reveal how his misery and isolation have driven him to anger. Shelley uses the Monster to show how rejection and loneliness can turn innocence into bitterness. The word "malicious" highlights how society's cruelty has corrupted him, emphasising that monsters are often made, not born.

Quote: "I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel."

Analysis: The Monster compares himself to both Adam and Satan, reflecting his feelings of abandonment by Victor. Shelley uses this to explore the responsibilities of a creator and the consequences of neglect. The reference to being a "fallen angel" underscores his descent into despair due to Victor's rejection.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Quote: "She was docile and good-tempered, yet gay and playful as a summer insect."

Analysis: Elizabeth is depicted as the ideal Victorian woman—gentle and cheerful. Shelley uses Elizabeth to represent innocence and purity, making her tragic death more impactful. Her character highlights the theme of lost innocence and the consequences of Victor's reckless ambition.

Quote: "The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone... in our peaceful home."

Analysis: Elizabeth is the light and warmth of the Frankenstein family, contrasting with Victor's cold obsession. Shelley uses her to show the importance of family and domestic life, which Victor sacrifices in his quest for knowledge. Elizabeth's death symbolises the total destruction of Victor's happiness due to his ambitions.

Henry Clerval

Quote: "He was a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature.'"

Analysis: Henry is portrayed as the ideal friend—kind, imaginative, and connected to nature. Shelley contrasts Henry with Victor, showing what a balanced life could be. Henry's appreciation for beauty and nature represents the pure and innocent side of life that Victor loses in his pursuit of power.

Quote: "How great was the contrast between us!"

Analysis: This quote highlights the difference between Henry's joyful character and Victor's increasingly dark nature. Shelley uses Henry to emphasise the Romantic ideals of appreciating nature and beauty. His tragic death serves as a reminder of what Victor sacrifices because of his relentless ambition.

Robert Walton

Quote: "I have sought one who would sympathise with and love me."

Analysis: Walton's longing for companionship mirrors Victor's isolation. Shelley uses Walton to reflect the dangers of pursuing knowledge without human connections. His role as the narrator also frames the story, emphasising the novel's themes of ambition and loneliness.

Quote: "I cannot lead them unwillingly to danger."

Analysis: Walton's decision to turn back from his dangerous expedition shows his understanding of the value of human life over ambition. Unlike Victor, Walton learns from the story and chooses humanity over personal glory. Shelley uses this to show that redemption is possible by choosing compassion over ambition.

Alphonse Frankenstein

Quote: "Nothing is more painful... than... the dead calmness of inaction."

Analysis: Alphonse reflects on the pain of helplessness in the face of tragedy. Shelley uses him to represent reason and the importance of family. His calm nature contrasts with Victor's impulsiveness, emphasising the need for stability and care during chaos.

Quote: "There is something at work in my soul which I do not understand."

Analysis: Alphonse's words capture the confusion and sorrow of watching his family fall apart. Shelley uses this to show the emotional impact of Victor's actions on those around him. His inability to comprehend the situation highlights the deep suffering caused by Victor's choices.

Justine Moritz

Quote: "I confessed, that I might obtain absolution; but now that falsehood lies heavier at my heart."

Analysis: Justine's false confession shows the pressure she feels to conform to what others expect. Shelley uses Justine's character to highlight the injustice faced by those who are powerless. Her wrongful execution underscores the novel's themes of guilt and the consequences of secrecy.

Quote: "God knows... that I am innocent."

Analysis: Justine's faith and innocence remain strong even as she faces death. Shelley uses Justine to emphasise the tragic consequences of Victor's actions. Her character serves as a symbol of innocence destroyed by the corruption and secrecy of others.

William Frankenstein

Quote: "Hideous monster! Let me go."

Analysis: William's innocent encounter with the Monster highlights the tragedy of his death. Shelley uses William to show the direct consequences of Victor's creation, as it leads to the loss of his own brother. William's death is a turning point, showing how deeply Victor's choices impact his loved ones.

Quote: "I fear that my death will bring more misery upon my family."

Analysis: William's death and its impact on the Frankenstein family emphasise the novel's themes of loss and guilt. Shelley uses William's death to show the deep sorrow and guilt that Victor feels, driving the narrative forward as he realises the full extent of his actions.