Frankenstein — Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Victor Frankenstein recalls his harmonious Swiss childhood with his adopted sister Elizabeth and his close friend Henry Clerval. He describes his passionate curiosity for the secrets of nature, his early discovery of the works of Cornelius Agrippa, and how his father's dismissive reaction led him to study alchemy in secret until a lightning strike on an oak tree and a subsequent explanation of electricity caused him to abandon those pursuits for mathematics.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Recounts his childhood, discovers and studies the works of Agrippa and other alchemists, witnesses a thunderstorm that destroys an oak tree, and subsequently shifts his studies to mathematics.

Elizabeth Lavenza Mentioned as Victor's companion who enjoys poetry and nature's beauty and softens his temperament with her gentleness.

Henry Clerval Described as sharing a deep friendship with Victor and being influenced toward kindness by Elizabeth; does not appear directly in the chapter's events.

Father Glances at Victor's book on Cornelius Agrippa and dismisses it as "sad trash," an action that inadvertently encourages Victor's secret studies.

Cornelius Agrippa His book sparks Victor's enthusiasm for alchemy and natural secrets; later dismissed by Victor's father and eventually overshadowed by modern science.

Paracelsus Mentioned as one of the "wild fancies" writers whose works Victor devours in secret.

Albertus Magnus Mentioned as one of Victor's early inspirations in the search for the philosopher's stone and elixir of life.

Man of great research Explains the theory of electricity and galvanism after the oak tree is destroyed, causing Victor to abandon his alchemical studies.

Main 4

Victor Frankenstein

Also known as: I, Victor, the narrator, my companion, myself

The narrator, a young Swiss man from Geneva with an ardent and curious personality, deeply driven by a thirst for scientific and metaphysical knowledge from an early age. Recounts his childhood, discovers and studies the works of Agrippa and other alchemists, witnesses a thunderstorm that destroys an oak tree, and subsequently shifts his studies to mathematics.

Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted sister and companion +2 more

Chapters 1, 2

Elizabeth Lavenza

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

The calm, gentle, and loving adopted sister of Victor, raised with him in their Swiss home; she embodies sympathy and kindness. Mentioned as Victor's companion who enjoys poetry and nature's beauty and softens his temperament with her gentleness.

Victor Frankenstein cousin and more than brotherCaroline Frankenstein adoptive motherAlphonse Frankenstein adoptive fatherVictor Frankenstein adoptive brother and companionHenry Clerval friend

Chapters 1, 2

Henry Clerval

Also known as: Clerval

The son of a Geneva merchant and Victor's closest school friend, a talented and imaginative boy fascinated by chivalry, romance, and heroic adventure. Described as sharing a deep friendship with Victor and being influenced toward kindness by Elizabeth; does not appear directly in the chapter's events.

Victor Frankenstein closest friendElizabeth Lavenza friend and influence

Chapter 2

Alphonse Frankenstein

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

The father of Victor Frankenstein, a kind and indulgent parent who settled the family in Geneva after the birth of a second son. Glances at Victor's book on Cornelius Agrippa and dismisses it as "sad trash," an action that inadvertently encourages Victor's secret studies.

Victor Frankenstein sonCaroline Frankenstein wifeVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort intimate friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughter

Chapters 2, 1

Secondary 6

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

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