Frankenstein: characters

Character Summary

Victor Frankenstein: The ambitious scientist who creates life, only to reject his creation. Portrayed as intensely driven by his scientific endeavours, but ultimately naive to the consequences of playing God.
The Creature: Frankenstein’s monstrous creation. Despite its terrifying physical presence, it showcases a range of profound emotions, longing for companionship and grappling with rejection.

Victor Frankenstein has an insatiable curiosity and endless ambition, but these traits gradually morph into guilt, remorse, and paranoia as the ramifications of his actions unfold.
The Creature, initially appearing as a blank canvas, quickly exhibits a deep desire to learn and seek acceptance. Its emotions evolve from innocence to sadness and rage as it experiences the harsh realities of the world.

Victor Frankenstein’s relationships are defined by his commitment to scientific progress, often at the cost of personal connections. His relationships with even his closest loved ones play second fiddle to his scientific pursuits.
The Creature’s relationships are profoundly impacted by its physical appearance that induces fear and rejection. Its solitary existence stirs feelings of longing and anger towards its creator.

Victor Frankenstein starts as an ambitious researcher, but as he realizes the aftermath of his experiment, his personality changes dramatically. He grapples with guilt, becomes reclusive and convulses under the weight of his creation.
The Creature embarks on a journey of self-discovery. It initially mirrors a newborn, clueless about the world, but it quickly learns about sociocultural norms, human emotions, and its own identity. This self-awareness, coupled with society’s rejection, shapes its rage against Victor.

Victor Frankenstein represents Mary Shelley’s critique of unchecked scientific ambition during the scientific revolution and enlightenment era. His character underscores the potential destructiveness of unconstrained knowledge.
The Creature is a symbol of society’s outcasts. Its story is an exploration of humanity’s inherent fear of the unknown and the cruel outcomes of social exclusion. Its dejection further reinforces the gothic horror elements of the narrative.