Main 12
Victor Frankenstein
Also known as: I, Victor, the narrator, my companion, myself, Frankenstein
+33 más
Brilliant but tragic scientist from Geneva who created the monster and lost his family and friends to its vengeance; now a broken, eloquent man consumed by guilt, revenge, and despair. Tells Walton the full story of his pursuit of the creature, rallies the mutinous sailors with a speech about courage and glory, refuses to abandon his quest even as he dies, and makes a final request for Walton to destroy the monster.
Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted sister and companion
+67 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Elizabeth Lavenza
Also known as: Elizabeth, cousin, my more than sister, the beautiful and adored companion, the sweet orphan, Lizaveta
+26 más
Victor's beloved wife who was murdered by the creature on their wedding night. Appears only in Victor's memories and dreams as a source of comfort and lost happiness.
Victor Frankenstein cousin and more than brotherCaroline Frankenstein adoptive motherAlphonse Frankenstein adoptive fatherVictor Frankenstein adoptive brother and companionHenry Clerval friend
+22 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24
Henry Clerval
Also known as: Clerval, Henry, his son, my fellow student, my dear Clerval, my friend
+10 más
Victor's close friend and companion from his youth, murdered by the creature. Appears only in Victor's memories and dreams as a symbol of lost friendship and joy.
Victor Frankenstein closest friendElizabeth Lavenza friend and influenceVictor Frankenstein close friendVictor Frankenstein friendVictor Frankenstein dear friend
+9 more
Chapters 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Alphonse Frankenstein
Also known as: my father, my parents, the narrator's father, your father, Your affectionate and afflicted father, papa
+8 más
Victor's father who died of grief after the family's tragedies. Appears only in Victor's memories and as part of the graveside vow of revenge.
Victor Frankenstein sonVictor Frankenstein sonElizabeth Lavenza niece or adopted daughterWilliam Frankenstein sonVictor Frankenstein son
+24 more
Chapters 2, 4, 8, 19, 1, 3, 7, 9, 18, 21, 22, 23, 5, 24
Robert Walton
Also known as: he, my enemy, the being I had created, the demoniacal corpse, the dreaded spectre, the miserable monster
+58 más
Arctic explorer and captain of a ship trapped in ice; ambitious yet compassionate man who befriends the dying Victor and records his tale in letters to his sister Margaret. Listens to Victor's story, writes it down with corrections from Victor, tries to comfort him, faces a near-mutiny from his crew, witnesses Victor's death and the creature's final appearance.
Victor Frankenstein creatorVictor Frankenstein creatorWilliam Frankenstein murderer of himVictor Frankenstein creatorVictor Frankenstein creator
+31 more
Chapters 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 24
Justine Moritz
Also known as: Justine, poor Justine, poor girl, good Justine, poor, poor sufferer
+8 más
Wrongly executed for William’s murder. Recalled by Victor among the list of the creature’s victims.
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
+10 more
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 23
William Frankenstein
Also known as: little William, little darling William, William, dear lovely child, my little William, my sweet boy
+11 más
Victor's younger brother, the creature's first murder victim. Appears only in Victor's memories and as part of the graveside vow of revenge.
Victor Frankenstein elder brotherElizabeth Lavenza sisterly figureAlphonse Frankenstein fatherVictor Frankenstein brotherErnest Frankenstein brother
+15 more
Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24
The monster
Also known as: destroyer, fiend, he, him, my creation, wretch
+20 más
A hideous, superhuman being created by Victor; vengeful and capable of swift, stealthy murder. Murders Elizabeth by strangling her, appears grinning at the window pointing to her corpse, evades Victor’s pistol shot by leaping into the lake, and is later described as having escaped pursuit.
Victor Frankenstein creatorWilliam Frankenstein victimJustine Moritz framed for his crimeVictor Frankenstein creatorVictor Frankenstein creator
+1 more
Chapters 9, 18, 22, 23
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
Man who once helped the creature learn language and human ways but later rejected and drove him away in horror. Mentioned by the creature as an example of unjust treatment that contributed to his misery.
Father fatherAgatha sisterThe creature unknown benefactorSafie beloved (sweet Arabian)Agatha brother to
+14 more
Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24
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 30
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. Mentioned as possibly in danger from the creature but ultimately safe.
Victor Frankenstein elder brotherElizabeth Lavenza family memberVictor Frankenstein brotherWilliam Frankenstein brotherAlphonse Frankenstein father
+3 more
Chapters 6, 7, 23
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
Mr. Kirwin
Also known as: Kirwin, magistrate
Kind and benevolent Irish magistrate who conducts the inquiry into the murder and shows compassion toward Victor despite initially suspecting him. Questions witnesses, orders Victor to view the body, provides him the best prison room with a physician and nurse, visits occasionally, arranges his defense, informs him of his father's arrival, and ensures his release.
Victor Frankenstein examines and cares for
Chapters 20, 21
Unnamed man
Also known as: ill-looking man, man with a hoarse voice
Gruff local inhabitant of the Irish town who speaks to Victor. Answers Victor rudely, accuses him of being a villain, and leads him to the magistrate.
Chapter 20
Daniel Nugent
Also known as: Nugent, his companion
Fisherman and brother-in-law to the main deponent who was present when the body was found. Testifies that he saw a boat with a single man (Victor) near the shore just before the body was discovered.
Chapter 21
Old woman
Also known as: hired nurse, she, the second, wife of one of the turnkeys
Nurse hired to care for Victor in prison; she is the wife of a turnkey and displays a hard, unsympathetic demeanor. Tends to Victor during his fever and recovery, speaks to him with indifference about his alleged crime, prepares medicines, and sleeps in his room.
Chapter 21
Physician
Also known as: the first
Doctor provided by Mr. Kirwin to treat Victor in prison. Visits Victor, prescribes medicines, but shows visible carelessness in his treatment.
Chapter 21
The magistrate
Also known as: criminal judge
Genevan official who listens to Victor’s accusation. Hears Victor’s full story attentively but ultimately doubts the creature can be caught due to its abilities and the time passed, offers limited aid, and tries to calm Victor.
Victor Frankenstein petitioner
Chapter 23
Margaret
Also known as: my beloved sister, my dear sister
Walton's sister in England to whom he writes letters describing his voyage and Victor's story. Receives the narrative of Victor's tale and the final events on the ship.
Robert Walton brother
Chapter 24
The sailors
Also known as: brave fellows, my unfortunate comrades, the men
Crew members on Walton's ship who become terrified by the ice and demand to turn south. Confront Walton in a deputation demanding he promise to sail south if freed from the ice, are inspired by Victor's speech but ultimately force the ship's return.
Robert Walton captainVictor Frankenstein listened to his speech
Chapter 24