Frankenstein: character motivation and interaction

Character Motivation

Victor Frankenstein’s primary motivation is his obsession with knowledge and mastery over nature. His desire to circumvent the natural order by creating and giving life to a creature reflects his ambition to play God.
The Creature’s motivation stems from a yearning for acceptance and companionship after being abandoned by Victor. The Creature’s actions are driven by a deep-seated desire to be loved and understood.
Elizabeth is driven by her love for Victor, and her role is mostly reactionary to Victor’s deeds. Her motivation also reflects the subordinate status of women during the era, as seen in her passive acceptance of her destiny.
Captain Walton shares similar obsessional traits with Victor. He is driven by his thirst for knowledge and the desire for scientific discovery, even at the risk of his ship and crew.

Character Interactions

Victor and the Creature: Their relationship is marked by fear, hostility, and misunderstanding. Victor’s immediate rejection of the Creature triggers a cycle of revenge and remorse, affecting their dynamic throughout the play.
Victor and Elizabeth: Their relationship symbolises the domestic and emotional life that Victor abandons in pursuit of scientific knowledge. Elizabeth’s attempt to reach out to Victor acts as a constant reminder of the human connection he forsakes in favour of his obsession.
Victor and Captain Walton: Thematically, their kinship centres around their shared enthusiasm for scientific discovery. However, Victor’s cautionary tale causes Walton to rethink his reckless, ambition-driven course. Their interaction ultimately highlights the detrimental effects of unbridled ambition.
The Creature and Society: The Creature’s interaction with society reflects on the importance of Appearance over Character. Despite its initially loving nature, The Creature is shunned and attacked due to its grotesque appearance, introducing themes of injustice and isolation prevalent in the play.

The understanding of character motivation and their interaction is crucial to comprehend the intricate dynamics and themes of Frankenstein. By assessing these aspects, interpretations of the play’s dramatic intent become clearer, providing valuable insights into its portrayal and context.