Frankenstein — Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Victor Frankenstein immerses himself in the study of natural philosophy and chemistry at the University of Ingolstadt. Over two years he makes rapid progress under the guidance of professors Krempe and Waldman, then shifts his focus to the secrets of life and death by studying anatomy in graveyards and charnel houses, ultimately discovering the cause of generation and life and the ability to animate lifeless matter. He begins the secret creation of a gigantic human being, becoming increasingly isolated, pale, and tormented by anxiety as his obsessive labors consume him through the seasons.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Shifts his studies to physiology and anatomy, discovers the secret of life, begins constructing a gigantic creature in a hidden workshop, and neglects his family and health due to his fixation.

M. Krempe Teases Victor about his earlier interest in Cornelius Agrippa while acknowledging his rapid progress.

M. Waldman Provides frank and helpful instruction that smooths Victor's path in science and expresses heartfelt exultation at his progress.

Father Victor's father in Geneva who writes letters expressing concern over his son's long silence.

Main 4

Victor Frankenstein

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

Ambitious young student from Geneva with a passionate and obsessive personality who becomes consumed by scientific discovery. Shifts his studies to physiology and anatomy, discovers the secret of life, begins constructing a gigantic creature in a hidden workshop, and neglects his family and health due to his fixation.

Caroline Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza cousin and more than sisterBeaufort family friendElizabeth Lavenza adopted sister and companion +9 more

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

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

my father Victor's father in Geneva who writes letters expressing concern over his son's long silence.

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

Chapters 2, 4, 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, Professor Krempe

Professor at the University of Ingolstadt with a repulsive appearance but sound sense and real information. Teases Victor about his earlier interest in Cornelius Agrippa while acknowledging his rapid progress.

Victor Frankenstein studentVictor Frankenstein student

Chapters 3, 4

M. Waldman

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

Gentle and encouraging professor at Ingolstadt who becomes a true friend to Victor. Provides frank and helpful instruction that smooths Victor's path in science and expresses heartfelt exultation at his progress.

Victor Frankenstein studentVictor Frankenstein student and friend

Chapters 3, 4