Chapter 1: Chapter 1

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The narrator describes his distinguished Genevese family background and his father's honorable character. His father rescues his impoverished friend Beaufort's daughter Caroline, marries her after two years, and they travel Europe where the narrator is born and doted upon as their only child for years. During a trip to Italy when he is five, his mother adopts the beautiful orphan Elizabeth Lavenza from a poor family, and the narrator comes to view her as his special companion and more than a sister.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Narrates his family history, recalls his early life and parents' affection, and describes receiving Elizabeth as a gift from his mother.
Alphonse Frankenstein Seeks out and aids his friend Beaufort in poverty, marries Caroline two years later, travels with her, and consents to adopting Elizabeth.
Caroline Frankenstein Is rescued by Alphonse, marries him, travels Europe, adopts Elizabeth from a poor Italian family after being moved by her beauty and story, and presents her to Victor as a gift.
Beaufort Falls into poverty, conceals himself in Lucerne, dies in his daughter's arms leaving her orphaned.
Elizabeth Lavenza Is adopted by Victor's parents after they discover her in poverty, moves into their home, and is presented to Victor as a special gift; she is loved by everyone.
Main 3

Victor Frankenstein

Also known as: I, Victor, the narrator

Young son of a distinguished Genevese family, born in Naples during his parents' travels; he is cherished as their only child and idolized by them. Narrates his family history, recalls his early life and parents' affection, and describes receiving Elizabeth as a gift from his mother.

Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friend
Chapter 1

Elizabeth Lavenza

Also known as: Elizabeth, cousin, my more than sister, the beautiful and adored companion, the sweet orphan

Beautiful fair-haired orphan girl of noble Milanese and German parentage, adopted from poor Italian foster parents at age around five; she is loving, gentle, and becomes the cherished companion of Victor. Is adopted by Victor's parents after they discover her in poverty, moves into their home, and is presented to Victor as a special gift; she is loved by everyone.

Victor Frankenstein cousin and more than brotherCaroline Frankenstein adoptive motherAlphonse Frankenstein adoptive father
Chapter 1

Alphonse Frankenstein

Also known as: my father, the narrator's father

Respected Genevese public official known for integrity and helping friends; marries late in life after rescuing and supporting Caroline Beaufort. Seeks out and aids his friend Beaufort in poverty, marries Caroline two years later, travels with her, and consents to adopting Elizabeth.

Caroline Frankenstein wifeVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort intimate friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughter
Chapter 1
Secondary 2

Caroline Frankenstein

Also known as: Caroline Beaufort, my mother, the narrator's mother

Resilient daughter of the merchant Beaufort; after her father's death in poverty she is rescued and marries Alphonse, becoming a devoted and benevolent mother despite her fragile health. Is rescued by Alphonse, marries him, travels Europe, adopts Elizabeth from a poor Italian family after being moved by her beauty and story, and presents her to Victor as a gift.

Alphonse Frankenstein husbandVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort fatherElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughter
Chapter 1

Beaufort

Also known as: his friend, the merchant

Proud former merchant and close friend of Alphonse Frankenstein who falls into poverty and hides in Lucerne with his daughter; he dies after months of illness. Falls into poverty, conceals himself in Lucerne, dies in his daughter's arms leaving her orphaned.

Alphonse Frankenstein intimate friendCaroline Frankenstein daughter
Chapter 1
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