Frankenstein; or, the modern prometheus — Chapter 1

Victor Frankenstein narrates his Genevese family background, focusing on his father’s friendship with the ruined merchant Beaufort and how Beaufort’s daughter Caroline came under Victor’s family’s protection. He describes his parents’ marriage, travels, and how, during a trip near Lake Como, his mother helps bring the orphaned Elizabeth Lavenza into their household where she is treated as Victor’s beloved cousin and more-than-sister.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Introduces himself as Genevese and recounts his family’s history, including Caroline Beaufort’s entry into the family and Elizabeth Lavenza’s adoption.

Alphonse Frankenstein Becomes friends with Beaufort, searches for him after Beaufort’s fall into poverty, takes Beaufort’s daughter Caroline under his care, and later marries her.

Caroline Frankenstein Receives Caroline Beaufort’s place in the story, supports Beaufort in illness, and later helps bring Elizabeth Lavenza into the Frankenstein household.

Lake of Como visitors (Victor and his mother) Serve as the framing context for the encounter with the poor cot and the recognition of Elizabeth Lavenza.

Mentioned

Beaufort Is the catalyst for Caroline’s hardship and subsequent adoption into Victor’s family.

Elizabeth Lavenza Is introduced through Victor’s description of how she came to live with his family and the bond she forms with Victor.

Milanese nobleman Is identified as Elizabeth Lavenza’s father whose political fate leaves her orphaned and impoverished.

Caroline Frankenstein Is named as the daughter of Beaufort whose circumstances lead to her being placed under a relation’s protection and later marrying Alphonse.

Victor's village priest Participates indirectly in the decision that results in Elizabeth Lavenza being placed in Victor’s home.

Elizabeth Lavenza's foster parents Are the guardians who host Elizabeth during her impoverished upbringing and agree to yield her to Victor’s mother.

Settings

Geneva Victor’s birthplace and the republic of his distinguished family; a civic center tied to his father’s public life.

Lucerne A town where Beaufort retreats and lives unknown in wretchedness after paying his debts.

Reuss A river near which Beaufort’s mean street house is situated.

Milan An Italian city visited by Alphonse for which Victor mentions the father going by himself; also associated with Elizabeth’s origin.

Italy A region traversed by Victor’s family as part of restorative travel after Caroline’s marriage and earlier hardships.

Naples A city in Italy where Victor is born.

Lake of Como A lake-shore area beyond Italy’s frontiers where Victor’s family spends time; charitable walks lead to the discovery of the poor cot and Elizabeth.

a poor cot in a vale A humble peasant dwelling in a foldings of a vale, described as singularly disconsolate and surrounded by half-clothed children.

a hall of their villa The interior space of the Frankenstein household where Victor plays and where Elizabeth’s arrival is later explained in memory.

Germany A country visited by Victor’s family during their travels.

France A country visited by Victor’s family during their travels.

Main 3

Victor Frankenstein

Also known as: Frankenstein, Victor, M. Frankenstein, M.

A Genevese scientist and first-person narrator whose created being’s revenge leads to deep personal tragedy; driven by calculated vengeance and consumed by grief, eventually dies on an Arctic expedition ship.

Alphonse Frankenstein fatherCaroline Frankenstein motherElizabeth Lavenza adopted cousin; treated as more-than-sister; betrothed (implied)

Chapter 1

Alphonse Frankenstein

Also known as: Father, my father, Papa, Alphonse, my

Head of the Frankenstein family; respected for integrity and devotion to public business, with a strong sense of justice. A devoted husband who protects and caters to his wife’s comfort after her hardships; forms a close friendship with Beaufort.

Beaufort intimate friendCaroline Frankenstein husbandVictor Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza guardian/household authority as part of the family

Chapter 1

Elizabeth Lavenza

Also known as: Elizabeth, my cousin, my dearest cousin, cousin, sister, my sister, playmate, my beloved, my dear Elizabeth, Liz Lavenza, Liz, Beth Lavenza, Beth, Lizzy Lavenza, Lizzy, Eliza Lavenza, Eliza, my

Orphaned daughter of a Milanese nobleman; her mother was German and died giving birth. Raised by foster parents, then brought into the Frankenstein home where she is treated as Victor’s beloved cousin and more-than-sister; her character is marked as gentle, sensitive, and sweet.

Victor Frankenstein adopted cousin; treated as more-than-sister; belovedCaroline Frankenstein adopted/placed under protection byAlphonse Frankenstein adopted/placed under protection by

Chapter 1

Secondary 1

Caroline Frankenstein

Also known as: Caroline Beaufort, my mother, Madame Frankenstein, Caroline, my, Madame

A formerly poor orphaned daughter of Beaufort who becomes Caroline Frankenstein through marriage; industrious and courageous in adversity.

Beaufort daughterVictor Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein husbandElizabeth Lavenza protective guardian/adopter; treats as gift to Victor

Chapter 1

Mentioned 4

Beaufort Is the catalyst for Caroline’s hardship and subsequent adoption into Victor’s family.

Milanese nobleman Is identified as Elizabeth Lavenza’s father whose political fate leaves her orphaned and impoverished.

Victor's village priest Participates indirectly in the decision that results in Elizabeth Lavenza being placed in Victor’s home.

Elizabeth Lavenza's foster parents Are the guardians who host Elizabeth during her impoverished upbringing and agree to yield her to Victor’s mother.

Main 1

Geneva

Victor’s birthplace and the republic of his distinguished family; a civic center tied to his father’s public life.

Victor introduces his birth and family background as Genevese.
Victor’s family life includes relocation to Geneva when Alphonse brings Caroline under his protection.
Victor describes childhood and family life in Geneva as part of a settled period after a wandering life.
Victor’s education is described as having begun at Geneva schools before moving to Ingolstadt.
Victor delays a visit home during his university period.
Elizabeth’s letter is dated and written from Geneva.
Elizabeth reports on household and family changes in Geneva.
Alphonse’s letter is written and dated there.
Victor arrives in the environs of Geneva and goes to his father’s house.
Victor notes he had previously been confined by the gates and lake rules, making solitude harder.
The Creature decides to proceed toward it to find Victor.
He later reaches its environs and hides among fields that surround it.
Victor descends to the valley, returns to Geneva, and enters the house to present himself to the family.
Victor returns to Geneva, continues delaying his work, and recovers his health while isolated on the lake.
Elizabeth’s letter is dated from Geneva.
Victor and his father return to Geneva.
Victor and Elizabeth spend time together as preparations begin for marriage.
Victor returns to Geneva after being devastated by Elizabeth’s murder and subsequent family losses.
Victor resolves to quit Geneva for ever and departs with money and jewels.
Victor later wanders around the town’s confines searching for a clue to the Creature’s steps.

Chapter 1

Secondary 10

Lucerne

A town where Beaufort retreats and lives unknown in wretchedness after paying his debts.

Reuss

A river near which Beaufort’s mean street house is situated.

Milan

An Italian city visited by Alphonse for which Victor mentions the father going by himself; also associated with Elizabeth’s origin.

Italy

A region traversed by Victor’s family as part of restorative travel after Caroline’s marriage and earlier hardships.

Naples

A city in Italy where Victor is born.

Lake of Como

A lake-shore area beyond Italy’s frontiers where Victor’s family spends time; charitable walks lead to the discovery of the poor cot and Elizabeth.

a poor cot in a vale

A humble peasant dwelling in a foldings of a vale, described as singularly disconsolate and surrounded by half-clothed children.

a hall of their villa

The interior space of the Frankenstein household where Victor plays and where Elizabeth’s arrival is later explained in memory.

Germany

A country visited by Victor’s family during their travels.

France

A country visited by Victor’s family during their travels.