Chapter 17: Chapter 17

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The creature demands that Victor create a female companion for him so he can live in sympathy and peace, promising to retreat to the wilds of South America and never be seen again. Victor initially refuses in rage but is gradually moved by the creature's arguments and threats; after long reflection he reluctantly consents on condition that the creature and his mate will leave Europe forever. The creature swears to uphold the bargain and departs swiftly, leaving Victor in deep anguish; he descends the mountain, spends a tormented night, and returns home to Geneva in a haggard state, resolved to fulfill the abhorrent task to protect his family.

On stage

The creature Presents his life story, demands a female companion, reasons and threatens Victor, swears an oath to depart forever if granted his request, then swiftly leaves down the mountain.
Victor Frankenstein Refuses the request at first, argues against it, reflects on the creature's arguments and power, finally consents to creating the female on the stated conditions, then descends the mountain in despair and returns home to Geneva in a wild state.
Main 12

Victor Frankenstein

Also known as: I, Victor, the narrator, my companion, myself, Frankenstein +22 más

Victor is the remorseful scientist who created the creature; a man of science tormented by guilt and horror at what he has made; initially furious but swayed by justice and fear. Refuses the request at first, argues against it, reflects on the creature's arguments and power, finally consents to creating the female on the stated conditions, then descends the mountain in despair and returns home to Geneva in a wild state.

Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted sister and companion +35 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17

Elizabeth Lavenza

Also known as: Elizabeth, cousin, my more than sister, the beautiful and adored companion, the sweet orphan, Lizaveta +19 más

Sad and despondent young woman who was close to Victor in childhood; she loved William and Justine and is deeply affected by their deaths, viewing the world as full of monsters. Expresses her grief and sense of injustice over Justine's execution; comforts Victor when she sees his anguish and urges him to banish dark passions.

Victor Frankenstein cousin and more than brotherCaroline Frankenstein adoptive motherAlphonse Frankenstein adoptive fatherVictor Frankenstein adoptive brother and companionHenry Clerval friend +14 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Henry Clerval

Also known as: Clerval, Henry, his son, my fellow student, my dear Clerval, my friend +3 más

Victor's close friend and fellow student at Ingolstadt, sympathetic and consoling. Reads the letter, offers sympathy to Victor, accompanies him to order horses for the journey home, and speaks kindly of the dead William.

Victor Frankenstein closest friendElizabeth Lavenza friend and influenceVictor Frankenstein close friendVictor Frankenstein friendVictor Frankenstein dear friend +2 more
Chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7

Alphonse Frankenstein

Also known as: my father, my parents, the narrator's father, your father, Your affectionate and afflicted father, papa +2 más

A loving, morally upright father who has lost one son and is distressed by Victor's changed behavior and grief. He attempts to console Victor with advice about duty to the living. Observes Victor's despair and offers philosophical arguments to inspire fortitude and reduce excessive sorrow.

Victor Frankenstein sonVictor Frankenstein sonElizabeth Lavenza niece or adopted daughterWilliam Frankenstein sonCaroline Frankenstein wife +15 more
Chapters 2, 4, 8, 1, 3, 7, 9, 5

Robert Walton

Also known as: he, my enemy, the being I had created, the demoniacal corpse, the dreaded spectre, the miserable monster +40 más

Hideous, intelligent being created by Victor; once benevolent but turned malicious by rejection and isolation; articulate, capable of fine sensations and deep misery. Presents his life story, demands a female companion, reasons and threatens Victor, swears an oath to depart forever if granted his request, then swiftly leaves down the mountain.

Victor Frankenstein creatorVictor Frankenstein creatorWilliam Frankenstein murderer of himVictor Frankenstein creatorVictor Frankenstein creator +21 more
Chapters 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

Justine Moritz

Also known as: Justine, poor Justine, poor girl, good Justine, poor, poor sufferer +7 más

Young woman sleeping in a barn; later framed for William's murder. Is framed by the creature when he places William's portrait in her dress while she sleeps.

Elizabeth Lavenza protectress and admirerVictor Frankenstein former favorite of hisWilliam Frankenstein accused of murdering himElizabeth Lavenza loved by herAlphonse Frankenstein valued highly but now suspected by others +7 more
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 16

William Frankenstein

Also known as: little William, little darling William, William, dear lovely child, my little William, my sweet boy +11 más

Young son of Victor Frankenstein; innocent and playful. Is seized by the creature who hopes to make him a companion, but is murdered when he reveals his father's name.

Victor Frankenstein elder brotherElizabeth Lavenza sisterly figureAlphonse Frankenstein fatherVictor Frankenstein brotherErnest Frankenstein brother +11 more
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 16

The monster

Also known as: destroyer, fiend, he, him, my creation, wretch

The creature Victor brought to life, who murdered William and framed Justine. Victor views him with intense hatred and fear of future crimes. Not physically present but constantly in Victor's thoughts as the source of his terror and desire for revenge.

Victor Frankenstein creatorWilliam Frankenstein victimJustine Moritz framed for his crime
Chapter 9

Agatha

Also known as: children, gentle Agatha, girl, her, sister, the ever-gentle Agatha +7 más

Daughter of De Lacey; gentle sister in the cottage family. Is remembered fondly by the creature but also recalled as fleeing in horror from him.

Father fatherFelix brotherThe creature unknown benefactorFelix sister toDe Lacey daughter to +8 more
Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Felix

Also known as: brother, children, excellent Felix, his, son, young man +8 más

Son of De Lacey; previously taught Safie and reacted with violence upon seeing the creature. Returns to the cottage with the landlord, announces the family is abandoning the property due to the horror caused by the creature, and is never seen again by the creature.

Father fatherAgatha sisterThe creature unknown benefactorSafie beloved (sweet Arabian)Agatha brother to +13 more
Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Safie

Also known as: his sweet Arabian, the Arabian, the charming Arabian, the lady, the lovely stranger, the stranger +13 más

Beautiful Arabian woman who was learning from Felix and lived with the De Lacey family. Is remembered by the creature for her exquisite beauty; is mentioned as part of the family that fled.

Felix beloved (his sweet Arabian)De Lacey affectionate guest toAgatha fellow womanFelix lover and intended husbandThe Turk father +6 more
Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16

De Lacey

Also known as: father, his father, the old man, blind and aged father, blind old man, excellent man +4 más

Blind old man and head of the cottage family who had befriended the creature through conversation without seeing him. Is discussed by the creature as the one he should have approached first; is mentioned by Felix as being in mortal danger after the incident.

Felix father toAgatha father toSafie embraces affectionatelyFelix sonAgatha daughter +6 more
Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16
Secondary 22

Caroline Frankenstein

Also known as: Caroline Beaufort, my mother, the narrator's mother, her preserver, she, this best of women +1 más

Victor's deceased mother, whose miniature portrait is missing from William and later found on Justine. Appears only in a painting over the mantelpiece depicting her in despair by her father's coffin; her portrait is the item that tempted the murderer and led to Justine's accusation.

Alphonse Frankenstein husbandVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort fatherElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughterVictor Frankenstein son +5 more
Chapters 1, 3, 7

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

Cornelius Agrippa

Also known as: Agrippa

An author of occult and alchemical works whose volume Victor discovers by chance. His book sparks Victor's enthusiasm for alchemy and natural secrets; later dismissed by Victor's father and eventually overshadowed by modern science.

Victor Frankenstein inspiration and early influence
Chapter 2

Paracelsus

An alchemical author studied by Victor alongside Agrippa. Mentioned as one of the "wild fancies" writers whose works Victor devours in secret.

Victor Frankenstein studied author
Chapter 2

Albertus Magnus

An alchemical and philosophical author whose works Victor studies with delight. Mentioned as one of Victor's early inspirations in the search for the philosopher's stone and elixir of life.

Victor Frankenstein studied author
Chapter 2

Man of great research

Also known as: man of great research in natural philosophy

An unnamed learned guest present during the thunderstorm at Belrive. Explains the theory of electricity and galvanism after the oak tree is destroyed, causing Victor to abandon his alchemical studies.

Victor Frankenstein temporary teacher and influencer
Chapter 2

M. Krempe

Also known as: professor of natural philosophy, that little conceited fellow, Professor Krempe, professor, the fellow

Blunt and harsh professor at the university known for his direct manner and self-praise. Gives loud, enthusiastic praise of Victor's achievements which causes Victor pain, then turns the conversation to his own youthful modesty.

Victor Frankenstein studentVictor Frankenstein studentVictor Frankenstein former student he admiresHenry Clerval person he addresses
Chapters 3, 4, 6

M. Waldman

Also known as: a fellow professor, the professor, this professor, Professor Waldman, professor

Kind and warm professor at the University of Ingolstadt who previously encouraged Victor's scientific studies. Praises Victor's past progress in the sciences during their meeting, then shifts topics upon noticing Victor's discomfort.

Victor Frankenstein studentVictor Frankenstein student and friendVictor Frankenstein former star pupil
Chapters 3, 4, 6

Victor's mother

Also known as: dead mother, my dead mother

Victor's deceased mother. Appears only as a corpse in Victor's nightmare, with grave-worms in her shroud.

Victor Frankenstein son
Chapter 5

The porter

Unnamed gatekeeper at the courtyard where Victor takes refuge. Opens the gates in the morning, allowing Victor to leave the courtyard and enter the streets.

Chapter 5

Ernest Frankenstein

Also known as: Ernest, his elder brother, our Ernest, my brother

Victor's younger brother who was with William before the murder. Enters the library to welcome Victor home, weeps over the family's losses, and explains the circumstances of Justine's accusation.

Victor Frankenstein elder brotherElizabeth Lavenza family memberVictor Frankenstein brotherWilliam Frankenstein brotherAlphonse Frankenstein father +1 more
Chapters 6, 7

Madame Moritz

Also known as: her mother, the poor woman, the woman

Widow and mother of Justine; initially harsh toward her daughter but later repentant before dying. Her troubled life, treatment of Justine, and death are recounted in the letter.

Justine Moritz neglected then repentant toward daughter
Chapter 6

Louis Manoir

Also known as: your favourite schoolfellow

Victor's former schoolfellow in Geneva who has faced misfortunes but is now recovering. Mentioned in Elizabeth's letter as about to marry an older French widow.

Elizabeth Lavenza news provider to Victor
Chapter 6

Madame Tavernier

Also known as: a lively pretty Frenchwoman

Widow and admired socialite in Geneva who is older than Louis Manoir. Reported in the letter as soon to marry Louis Manoir.

Louis Manoir prospective husband
Chapter 6

The Confessor

Also known as: my confessor

Religious figure who pressures Justine in prison. Threatens Justine with excommunication and hellfire until she makes a false confession.

Justine person he pressures to confess
Chapter 8

Old Man

Also known as: aged cottager, silver-haired man, blind father, father, venerable blind father, venerable companion

Blind elderly patriarch of the cottage family; kind, contemplative, and encouraging toward his children. Plays his instrument, receives care from his children, walks with his son, encourages his children to overcome melancholy, and is unknowingly aided by the creature.

The young girl daughterThe young man sonAgatha daughterFelix sonThe creature unknown benefactor
Chapters 11, 12

The young girl

Also known as: amiable companion, daughter, fair creature, girl, young creature, young woman

A gentle, patient, and sad young woman with fair plaited hair who performs household chores and cares for her father and brother. She is kind, graceful, and emotionally expressive. Carries a pail of milk, works in the cottage and garden, weeps while listening to music, kneels at her father's feet, and prepares meals with her brother.

Old Man fatherThe young man brother
Chapter 11

The young man

Also known as: companion, son, youth

A slight, graceful, and deeply despondent young man who performs manual labor and helps his family. His features show symmetry but his eyes and attitude convey sadness. Takes the milk pail from his sister, carries wood, works in the garden, reads aloud in the evening, and assists his father while walking.

Old Man fatherThe young girl sister
Chapter 11

The Turk

Also known as: Muhammadan, Turkish merchant, father of Safie, her father, his deliverer, the captive +2 más

Treacherous Turkish merchant who lived in Paris; imprisoned and sentenced to death on dubious charges. Cunning and ungrateful; uses Felix's love for his daughter to secure escape but later betrays the family. Is rescued from prison by Felix; promises Safie to Felix but secretly plans to take her away; flees Italy with her upon learning of Felix's ruin; sends insulting money to Felix.

Safie daughterFelix his deliverer
Chapter 14

Her mother

Also known as: Christian Arab, this lady

Mother of Safie; a Christian Arab who was enslaved by Turks but married Safie's father due to her beauty. She instilled values of freedom, intellect, and independence in her daughter before dying. Only mentioned through Safie's recounted memories; taught Safie Christian tenets and to aspire to higher ideals.

Safie daughterThe Turk husband
Chapter 14

The girl

Also known as: young girl

A young girl running playfully along the river. Is saved from drowning by the creature but is then snatched away by a rustic who shoots the creature.

The creature rescuer
Chapter 16

The rustic

Also known as: a rustic, my injurer, the man, the person from whom she had playfully fled

Man in the woods, likely the girl's companion or guardian. Seizes the rescued girl from the creature's arms, flees, then shoots the creature when pursued.

The girl presumed companion
Chapter 16
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