Frankenstein — Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Victor Frankenstein's mother dies after contracting scarlet fever from nursing Elizabeth. He delays his departure for university but eventually leaves Geneva for Ingolstadt, where he attends lectures by professors Krempe and Waldman. Waldman's inspiring lecture on modern chemistry reignites Victor's passion for science and sets him on the path to his future destiny.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Departs for university after his mother's death, attends lectures by Krempe and Waldman, becomes inspired by modern chemistry, and resolves to devote himself to scientific studies.

Elizabeth Lavenza Contracts and recovers from scarlet fever, comforts the family after Caroline's death, and bids Victor farewell as he leaves for university.

Caroline Frankenstein Nurses Elizabeth through scarlet fever, contracts the disease herself, and dies after blessing Victor and Elizabeth's future union on her deathbed.

Alphonse Frankenstein Arranges for Victor to attend university, grants him time to mourn, blesses him at his departure, and is left to console the family after his wife's death.

Henry Clerval Spends the final evening with Victor before his departure, expresses his desire to join him at university, and bids him an emotional farewell.

M. Krempe Lectures Victor on the uselessness of his prior alchemical studies, provides a list of recommended books, and announces his upcoming course of lectures.

M. Waldman Delivers an inspiring lecture on modern chemistry that reignites Victor's passion for science, speaks privately with Victor, advises him on his studies, and shows him his laboratory.

Main 4

Victor Frankenstein

Also known as: I, Victor, the narrator, my companion, myself, Frankenstein +1 más

Seventeen-year-old son of a Genevese family who has been raised in a sheltered, loving household with a passion for science and alchemy. He is sensitive, reflective, and ambitious. Departs for university after his mother's death, attends lectures by Krempe and Waldman, becomes inspired by modern chemistry, and resolves to devote himself to scientific studies.

Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted sister and companion +6 more

Chapters 1, 2, 3

Elizabeth Lavenza

Also known as: Elizabeth, cousin, my more than sister, the beautiful and adored companion, the sweet orphan, Lizaveta +3 más

Adopted daughter of the Frankenstein family, raised as Victor's companion and intended bride. She is kind, courageous, and self-sacrificing. Contracts and recovers from scarlet fever, comforts the family after Caroline's death, and bids Victor farewell as he leaves for university.

Victor Frankenstein cousin and more than brotherCaroline Frankenstein adoptive motherAlphonse Frankenstein adoptive fatherVictor Frankenstein adoptive brother and companionHenry Clerval friend +2 more

Chapters 1, 2, 3

Henry Clerval

Also known as: Clerval, Henry, his son, my fellow student

Victor's close childhood friend from Geneva who is enthusiastic, ambitious, and romantic but is prevented by his father from pursuing higher education. Spends the final evening with Victor before his departure, expresses his desire to join him at university, and bids him an emotional farewell.

Victor Frankenstein closest friendElizabeth Lavenza friend and influenceVictor Frankenstein close friend

Chapters 2, 3

Alphonse Frankenstein

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

Victor's father, a respected and caring family man. Arranges for Victor to attend university, grants him time to mourn, blesses him at his departure, and is left to console the family after his wife's death.

Victor Frankenstein sonCaroline Frankenstein wifeVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort intimate friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughter +3 more

Chapters 2, 1, 3

Secondary 8

Caroline Frankenstein

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

Victor's affectionate and devoted mother who prioritizes family above all. She is benevolent and courageous. Nurses Elizabeth through scarlet fever, contracts the disease herself, and dies after blessing Victor and Elizabeth's future union on her deathbed.

Alphonse Frankenstein husbandVictor Frankenstein sonBeaufort fatherElizabeth Lavenza adopted daughterVictor Frankenstein son +2 more

Chapters 1, 3

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

Squat, gruff, and uncouth professor of natural philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt who values only modern scientific methods. Lectures Victor on the uselessness of his prior alchemical studies, provides a list of recommended books, and announces his upcoming course of lectures.

Victor Frankenstein student

Chapter 3

M. Waldman

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

Verdant and benevolent professor of chemistry at Ingolstadt, around fifty years old, with a mild and kind demeanor. Delivers an inspiring lecture on modern chemistry that reignites Victor's passion for science, speaks privately with Victor, advises him on his studies, and shows him his laboratory.

Victor Frankenstein student

Chapter 3