This chapter
Characters 71
Places 191
Victor’s voyage ends and he travels with Alphonse Frankenstein toward Switzerland. Victor receives a letter from Elizabeth Lavenza about their planned marriage and expresses fears of the Creature’s threat to kill him on his wedding night; they eventually marry and begin their journey by water, stopping at Evian.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Narrates his recovery, his father’s attempts to console him, the receipt of Elizabeth’s letter, and the lead-up to his marriage and departure by water toward Switzerland.
Alphonse Frankenstein Cares for Victor during his convalescence, argues against Victor’s despair, then promotes and organizes Victor and Elizabeth’s immediate marriage and travel plans.
Elizabeth Lavenza Receives and later physically reunites with Victor; her letter to Victor addresses their future marriage and her request that he answer honestly about whether he loves another, while she appears melancholy on the wedding day and travels with him after the ceremony.

Mentioned

Justine Moritz Referenced indirectly through Victor’s self-blame for her death and a murder accusation.
William Frankenstein Mentioned indirectly as another victim of Victor’s confessed guilt.
Henry Clerval Referenced indirectly as a victim of the Creature’s violence, connected to Victor’s fears and prior threats.
The Creature Referenced through its threat and through Victor’s interpretation of the upcoming marriage as part of the Creature’s revenge.
Fiend (dæmon) — The Creature threat Mentioned as the feared adversary responsible for murder and the wedding-night threat.

Settings

Paris A city where Victor and his father travel to and where Victor rests and recovers before leaving for Switzerland.
Geneva Victor’s home region; the place where he receives Elizabeth’s letter and returns with his father.
Ingolstadt A university city associated with Victor’s earlier studies and his imprisonment timeline.
Switzerland A destination country toward which Victor and his father travel after Paris.
Ireland A prior location of imprisonment and tragedies Victor references.
Geneva (journey/return context) Repetition of Victor’s return to his home; used as a stable reference point.
Villa Lavenza A villa owned by Elizabeth near Lake Como, where the couple plans to spend the first days of happiness.
Como A shores/region connected to Elizabeth’s small possession and property restored by the Austrian government.
Evian A lakeside town on their water journey; a planned overnight stop after the wedding ceremony.
River Drance A river passed by the couple during their water travel; its path through hills is described.
Lake near Villa Lavenza (Como/Lake context) A scenic lake described as beautiful and associated with the couple’s future happiness beside it.
Mont Salêve A visible mountain across the lake during the couple’s voyage.
Montalègre A lakeside area/pleasant banks mentioned alongside Mont Salêve.
Mont Blanc A distant, towering mountain visible above the landscape during the water voyage.
Jura A mountain range on the opposite bank described as a barrier to invaders.
Amphitheatre of mountains (eastern boundary of the lake) A landscape formation forming the eastern boundary of the lake.
U.S. Austrian government (as place-adjacent reference) A governing authority; included here only as a named political entity tied to restitution.
Main 6

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)Henry Clerval closest friend and fellow student; bond of companionshipCornelius Agrippa reads/was influenced by his works +17 more

Alphonse Frankenstein

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

Victor’s father and head of the Frankenstein household; attentive and persistent in trying to remedy Victor’s suffering and push him toward society and normal life. Deeply devoted to family cohesion and supports Victor’s marriage plans despite the surrounding tragedies.

Beaufort intimate friendCaroline Frankenstein husbandVictor Frankenstein fatherElizabeth Lavenza guardian/household authority as part of the familyHenry Clerval connected by household relationship through Victor +4 more

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

Victor’s adopted cousin raised in the Frankenstein household; affectionate, gentle, and compassionate. Her mind is attentive to Victor’s condition; she balances hope for peace with a lingering fear shaped by past misfortunes, and she is poised to marry him.

Victor Frankenstein adopted cousin; treated as more-than-sister; belovedCaroline Frankenstein adopted/placed under protection byAlphonse Frankenstein adopted/placed under protection byHenry Clerval influences his kindness and beneficent aspirationsWilliam Frankenstein family bonds as part of household caregiving +3 more

Henry Clerval

Also known as: Clerval, Henry, my dear Henry, Henry Clerval, Harry Clerval, Harry, Hal Clerval, Hal, Hank Clerval, Hank, my friend, my, my only nurse

Victor’s close friend and fellow student from Geneva; associated with events Victor links to The Creature’s murderous actions.

Victor Frankenstein closest friend; fellow studentElizabeth Lavenza friend/admirer; Elizabeth helps unfold his beneficenceAlphonse Frankenstein connected through Victor’s household proximityCaroline Frankenstein connected through Victor’s household proximityClerval’s father son; seeks father’s permission for education +4 more

The Creature

Also known as: monster, wretch, dæmon, devil, fiend, being, spirit, arch-fiend, fallen angel, Adam, Satan, cursed wretch, The, fallen, cursed, filthy dæmon

Victor’s artificially created being; eloquent and persuasive yet malicious, full of grievance, driven by vengeance and a need for suffering and acknowledgment.

Victor Frankenstein creator/created (intended)Elizabeth Lavenza Victor fears it could endanger herAlphonse Frankenstein Victor fears it could endanger himWilliam Frankenstein linked to its crimes causing his deathFelix De Lacey observes as the old blind patriarch and music-player of the household +6 more

Felix De Lacey

Also known as: Felix, De Lacey, De, son, brother, sister, Agatha

A member of the De Lacey household described as gentle; represented by the Creature as someone with kindness and companionship potential.

William De Lacey companions/household tiesSafie companions/household tiesThe Creature seen and listened to from concealmentFelix De Lacey sibling relationshipVictor Frankenstein household focus (Victor observes Felix’s behavior and exchanges within the cottage) +3 more
Secondary 12

Caroline Frankenstein

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

Victor’s mother and Alphonse’s wife; an established matron figure in the Frankenstein household.

Beaufort daughterVictor Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein husbandElizabeth Lavenza protective guardian/adopter; treats as gift to VictorWilliam Frankenstein mother +2 more

Ernest Frankenstein

Also known as: Ernest, my younger children, my younger brother, my

Victor’s younger brother/child in the Frankenstein family; part of the group of loved ones whose welfare Victor asks about.

Victor Frankenstein younger brotherElizabeth Lavenza younger household member under her careCaroline Frankenstein sonAlphonse Frankenstein family relation; her uncle is not pleased with distant military career (household position implied)William Frankenstein brother +1 more

Justine Moritz

Also known as: Justine, poor Justine, my playfellow, Madame Moritz, Justine's mother, poor, my, Madame, Justine's

A servant and household companion in the Frankenstein family; innocent of the charge Victor associates with her death, which fuels his remorse and self-accusation.

Victor Frankenstein household companionElizabeth Lavenza cohabiting household relationBeaufort none (not stated directly in this excerpt)Alphonse Frankenstein household servantWilliam Frankenstein murder-related circumstances +2 more

M. Krempe

Also known as: Krempe, Professor Krempe, M., Professor

Professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt; an earlier scholarly contact associated with Victor’s education.

Victor Frankenstein professor; teacher/lecturer he directsM. Waldman colleague professor who alternates lectures with himHenry Clerval present during the professor visit

M. Waldman

Also known as: Waldman, Professor Waldman, M., Professor

Professor of chemistry at Ingolstadt who encouraged Victor’s studies; part of the remembered circle of distinguished scholars.

Victor Frankenstein professor; adviser and encouraging teacherM. Krempe colleague professor who alternates lectures with himHenry Clerval interacts with Henry during introductions

Alphonse Frankenstein (again implied at farewell)

Alphonse appears as the father blessing Victor at the morning farewell.

Victor Frankenstein father

Old woman

Also known as: hired nurse, Old, hired

An Irish hired nurse and the wife of a turnkey; temperamentally hard, rude, and largely indifferent to suffering while performing her duty. Speaks English to Victor during his prison confinement.

Felix De Lacey implied same person (matching description)Safie caretaker who ensures safe arrivalVictor Frankenstein nurse/attendantM. Kirwin assigned care provider under his arrangement

Safie

Also known as: Arabian, young stranger, lovely Arabian, young, lovely

A woman connected to the De Lacey household story who has received language lessons from Felix; associated with beauty and compassion in the Creature’s memories.

Felix De Lacey companion/household relationshipWilliam De Lacey companion/household relationshipThe Creature observed from hidingChristian Arab mother daughter-of (recalled via background within the Safie identity described in the bible; no explicit mention in this excerpt text beyond “Christian Arab mother” not stated here)Turkish merchant father/daughter bond +1 more

William De Lacey

Also known as: William, Will De Lacey, Will, Bill De Lacey, Bill, Billy De Lacey, Billy, Willy De Lacey, Willy

A young member of the De Lacey cottage family as referenced in the Creature’s larger account; present in the household’s domestic circle.

Felix De Lacey companion/household relationshipSafie companions/household relationshipThe Creature observed from concealment

Felix De Lacey's blind father

Also known as: father

Blind elder in the De Lacey cottagers family; benevolent and encouraging, speaks cheerfully to his children, and teaches emotional regulation through his manner and exhortations.

Felix De Lacey father/son relationshipFelix De Lacey father/daughter relationshipThe Creature targets of household observation

M. Kirwin

Also known as: Kirwin, Mr. Kirwin, M.

Irish magistrate supervising the investigation and detention of Victor; broadly benevolent and compassionate yet able to be severe. Arranges care, seeks evidence, and coordinates witnesses and Victor’s defense/proceedings.

Victor Frankenstein legal authority requiring Victor’s testimonyDaniel Nugent works with him as a witness in the inquiryOld woman employs/commands her as nurse to VictorHenry Clerval investigation subject (Victor’s murdered friend)

Robert Walton

Also known as: Walton, my friend, Robert, Rob Walton, Rob, Bob Walton, Bob, Bobby Walton, Bobby

An Arctic explorer and letter-writer in the frame narrative; Victor’s account is delivered through letters that ultimately reach Walton’s family.

Margaret Saville siblings (letters addressed to her)Victor Frankenstein guest/ill friend; seeks to help him and preserve his lifeThe Creature enemy/visitor; the Creature appears on board and later exits
Mentioned 53
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.
Cornelius Agrippa Serves as the key book Victor finds during a trip to baths near Thonon, sparking his early enthusiasm for natural philosophy.
Paracelsus Named as part of the sequence of authors Victor procures and reads after discovering Cornelius Agrippa.
Albertus Magnus Named along with Paracelsus and Cornelius Agrippa as works Victor seeks out and reads avidly.
Sir Isaac Newton Referenced as a model statement to illustrate Victor’s dissatisfaction and sense of learning near the surface of truth.
Jura Referenced as the storm’s origin in Victor’s childhood recollection.
William Frankenstein Not directly named as the murdered child; described indirectly as a child whose identity corresponds to Victor’s family but only the Creature’s narrative of a child murder is given.
Angel of Destruction Described as exerting an evil influence from the moment Victor leaves his father’s door.
Clerval’s father Refuses Henry Clerval permission to accompany Victor and become his fellow student.
M. Waldman's students?
Louisa Biron Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as William’s favorite.
Miss Mansfield Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as engaged to an Englishman.
John Melbourne Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as the prospective husband of Miss Mansfield.
Manon Mentioned as married to M. Duvillard.
M. Duvillard Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as the banker married to Manon.
Louis Manoir Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as experiencing misfortunes and being reported to marry again.
Madame Tavernier Mentioned in Elizabeth’s letter as the woman Louis Manoir is reported to be marrying.
Ariosto Mentioned as part of Elizabeth’s explanation of Justine’s frank-hearted expressiveness.
Geneva Referenced as the home city where Elizabeth writes and family life continues.
Ingolstadt Referenced as the university setting where Victor introduces Clerval to professors and converses with Waldman and Krempe.
Magistrate Listens to Victor’s deposition about The Creature, initially incredulous, then willing to try officially but concerned about the Creature’s powers and the time elapsed.
Horses Arranged as part of Victor and Henry’s departure plan.
Market-woman Testifies or is described as having perceived Justine near the spot where the body was later found.
Justine's confessor Besieges Justine in prison and coerces a false confession.
Witness (character witnesses) Are called to speak about Justine’s character and attempt to support her defense.
The judges Hear the defense, convict Justine, and reject later appeals, leading to her execution.
Mont Blanc Cited as a towering presence overseeing the valley during Victor’s journey.
young girl Present as a sighting from the Creature’s concealment before she returns carrying milk.
young man Present briefly near the cottage when interacting with Safie before moving across the field.
Pandæmonium Mentioned as an analogy.
birds Heard and compared with later music.
sparrow Mentioned as part of the Creature’s increasing ability to distinguish sounds.
blackbird Mentioned as part of the Creature’s sound distinctions.
thrush Mentioned as part of the Creature’s sound distinctions and as a baseline for comparison.
Christian Arab mother Her life and lessons are summarized as part of Safie’s motivation and beliefs.
Turkish merchant His prosecution, imprisonment, escape, and the consequences for Felix and Agatha are recounted as the cause of the family’s ruin and exile.
Daniel Nugent Testifies regarding seeing a boat with a single man shortly before the companion’s discovery of the body.
Apotheary Mentioned only through prior context and not physically present.
Fisherman Mentioned only through contextual name lists; not physically present.
Plutarch Cited as one of the books found in the portmanteau, prompting the Creature’s admiration of heroes and lawgivers.
A boy Is seized by the Creature, screams at the Creature, invokes his father M. Frankenstein, and is murdered by the Creature.
A woman Is used as the target of the Creature’s covert message with a portrait; she stirs, and the Creature escapes.
The Creature's proposed companion Requested by The Creature and accepted by Victor as a future creation under conditions.
Margaret Saville Not physically present; referenced indirectly through letter addressing in the frame narrative.
Charles I Mentioned as part of the historical memory that makes Oxford’s sights emotionally charged for Victor.
Falkland Mentioned in the context of Charles I’s companions tied to Oxford’s past.
Goring Mentioned as part of the remembered figures connected to Oxford’s past.
Hampden Mentioned as the patriot whose tomb Victor and Henry consider and whose field of death grounds Victor’s brief uplift.
Island hut occupants (vacant hut owner/householders) Not individually identified; background figures tied to Victor’s rental of the hut.
Fiend (dæmon) — The Creature threat Mentioned as the feared adversary responsible for murder and the wedding-night threat.
Main 57

Geneva

Victor’s home region; the place where he receives Elizabeth’s letter and returns with his father.

  • 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.

Belrive (eastern shore of the lake)

A countryside property ('campagne') on the eastern shore of the lake, near Geneva; where Victor and his family mostly reside.

  • Victor and his family retire to their house near Belrive around age fifteen.
  • A devastating thunderstorm occurs near an oak about twenty yards from their house, leading to Victor’s change in interests.

Ingolstadt

A university city associated with Victor’s earlier studies and his imprisonment timeline.

  • Victor arrives and is conducted to his apartment.
  • Victor visits professors Krempe and Waldman and attends lectures/receives guidance.
  • Victor attends lectures and engages with professors of natural philosophy and chemistry.
  • Victor experiences the creature’s awakening in his apartment and later flees into the streets
  • Victor views the church and clock indicating the sixth hour
  • Victor meets Henry Clerval at an inn for diligences
  • The Creature’s forest is identified as near Ingolstadt.
  • Elizabeth references Victor’s years spent at Ingolstadt.

the Frankenstein family house (house of mourning)

Victor’s home in mourning after Elizabeth’s illness and Caroline’s death; the place where family farewells occur.

  • Caroline attends Elizabeth’s sickbed before dying.
  • Victor requests time to mourn and delays departure.
  • Clerval spends the last evening with the family and the farewell happens at morning’s dawn.

Victor’s apartment/room (in Ingolstadt)

The room where Victor keeps his instruments and where the creature awakens; later empty after the creature flees.

  • Victor assembles life-creating instruments around the lifeless creature
  • At about 1 a.m. the creature opens its eyes and breathes hard
  • Victor later storms in expecting to find the creature and finds the apartment empty

Ingolstadt (University)

The university setting where Victor introduces Clerval to professors and where natural science discussions occur.

  • Victor introduces Clerval to professors.
  • M. Waldman and M. Krempe speak with Victor.

Plainpalais

A district near Geneva, associated with the murder scene and with William’s body being found and identified; accessed by crossing from near Geneva via boat.

  • William Frankenstein is discovered murdered there (reported by Alphonse’s letter).
  • Victor later travels to observe the spot where William was murdered.

The lake (near Geneva)

A lake near Geneva where Victor can boat and row; the night gate closing prevents staying after ten o’clock.

  • Victor contemplates the lake at Lausanne and later crosses it by boat to reach Plainpalais during storm.
  • Victor takes boats out after others retire.
  • He considers plunging into the lake but is restrained by thoughts of Elizabeth and family.

Mont Blanc

A distant, towering mountain visible above the landscape during the water voyage.

  • Victor observes lightning playing on Mont Blanc’s summit during the boat crossing.
  • Victor gazes toward Mont Blanc from a recess of the rock.
  • They view Mont Blanc among the snowy mountains.

Jura

A mountain range on the opposite bank described as a barrier to invaders.

  • Victor hears the thunder echoed from the Jura while watching the tempest.
  • They see the mighty Jura on the opposite banks.

Belrive

Victor’s family house at Belrive near Geneva, enclosed by gates with a nightly closing time; described as more agreeable for seclusion.

  • A storm is described as hanging over the lake between the promontory of Belrive and the village of Copêt.
  • Victor’s family retreats there after Justine’s death.
  • Victor seeks solitude there, avoiding faces of others and taking boat trips later at night.

The Court

A public courtroom where the trial is held; witnessed by crowds and judged by formal authorities.

  • Trial commences at eleven o’clock.
  • Advocate states the charge and witnesses are called.
  • The picture evidence is produced via testimony involving Elizabeth.
  • Elizabeth addresses the court in defense of Justine.
  • Ballots are cast and Justine is condemned.

The Prison chamber

A gloomy prison room where Justine is held with straw on the floor and manacled hands; used for private visits.

  • Victor and Elizabeth enter and find Justine sitting on straw.
  • Justine throws herself at Elizabeth’s feet and pleads about her confession.

The house of mourning (Frankenstein household)

Victor’s home during the period of grief; a setting characterized by his father’s shaken health and Elizabeth’s despondency.

  • Elizabeth and Victor interact while mourning Justine and William.
  • Victor reflects on guilt and fear.

Valley of Chamounix

A dramatic valley approached by Victor seeking sublime scenery; described as wonderful and enduring, with surrounding high mountains and glaciers.

  • Victor directs his wanderings toward Chamounix.
  • He reaches Chamounix village and rests by a window watching lightnings above Mont Blanc.

Ravine of Arve

The ravine carved by the river Arve, overhung by immense mountains and precipices; associated with waterfalls and roaring water.

  • Victor plunges yet deeper into the ravine of Arve during his ascent.
  • He hears the river and waterfalls as a powerful, almost omnipotent presence.

Montanvert

A mountain summit with a precipitate ascent and a path cut into short windings; from its top Victor looks over the sea of ice; surrounded by snowy precipices and towering, desolate scenery.

  • Victor resolves to ascend to the summit of Montanvert.
  • He arrives near noon, sits on a rock overlooking the ice, and later descends to cross the glacier.

Sea of ice (glacier field)

The broad ice field (nearly a league wide) with uneven, wave-like surface and deep rifts, requiring hours to cross.

  • Victor crosses the ice for nearly two hours.
  • Victor and The Creature traverse the ice en route to the hut.

Hut on the mountain

A mountain hut reached from the glacier; the interior has a fire and provides a place for Victor to listen to The Creature’s tale.

  • The Creature leads Victor across the ice to the hut.
  • They enter the hut; The Creature lights a fire and begins his tale.

Forest near Ingolstadt

A forested area near Ingolstadt where the Creature initially wanders, finds shade, and sleeps by a brook; described as having trees, a brook, and dark nights with moonlight.

  • The Creature wakes from confused sensations and finds berries and a brook.
  • He rests by a brook, sleeps, and later learns to distinguish sensations under moonlight.
  • He later finds and sustains a fire left by wandering beggars and uses it for warmth and cooking.
  • He decides to emigrate to seek food and shelter elsewhere.

Low hovel (wood, very low)

A wretched wooden shelter bare and low, with a dry earth floor and numerous chinks for wind; adjacent to a cottage and near a pig sty and a clear pool of water.

  • He hides there after being driven from the village.
  • He sets stones and wood over crevices to remain unseen while keeping enough light from the sty.

Cottage (neat and pleasant appearance)

A cottage adjoining the Creature’s wooden hovel; includes a portion against the back where the Creature has access; has windows where panes were filled with wood and a small chink enabling observation; features a small fire, a garden, and areas for working and resting.

  • The Creature watches Felix, Safie, and William through a tiny chink.
  • He observes music from Felix, Safie kneeling and emotional responses, and household chores and meals.
  • In evening, he sees tapers used for light and hears reading aloud.

The hovel (the Creature's shelter)

A small hiding shelter where the Creature sleeps and waits while watching the cottagers; described as his base of observation.

  • The Creature lies awake unable to sleep and reflects on the day.
  • He spends extended time there learning language and gathering food and fuel alternately.
  • He clears paths from snow and performs unseen helpful tasks after nights in the woods.

The De Lacey cottage

The De Lacey household cottage where the Creature has refuge and later returns to find it abandoned; described as having a garden and an interior that is dark when he waits.

  • The young woman prepares food and arranges the cottage each morning.
  • Felix goes out after the first meal; the blind father uses leisure time in contemplation and instruments.
  • Food scarcity and hunger are revealed, and the household’s routine continues through changing seasons.
  • Agatha and Felix speak with emotional effect, and the Creature studies their language from nearby.
  • Felix observes melancholy during a rest period before Safie arrives.
  • Safie arrives on horseback with a guide and is brought into the cottage.
  • Music and language lessons occur in and around the cottage through subsequent days.
  • Felix plays guitar while alone and reflects.
  • The Creature knocks and is admitted when the children are away.
  • Felix questions the Creature and offers aid.
  • Felix’s children return and discover the Creature, leading to violence and the Creature’s escape.
  • The Creature returns expecting the family; the cottage is dark and there is no motion.
  • A conversation between Felix De Lacey and a companion leads to the family leaving.
  • The cottage and garden are later set on fire by the Creature.

The neighbouring wood

A nearby wooded area where the Creature normally collects food and brings home firing; night-time discovery setting.

  • The Creature gathers berries, nuts, and roots there.
  • He collects wood and food after leaving the cottage at night or during moonlit conditions.
  • The Creature finds a leathern portmanteau on the ground while visiting the wood at night.

The garden and farm areas near the cottage

Vegetable garden plots and nearby cultivation grounds where plants grow and where household labor occurs.

  • New plants spring up and are dressed as spring advances.
  • The season’s progress improves comfort and lessens the signs of famine.

The milk-house and well

Places connected to getting milk and drawing water for the household.

  • Felix clears snow obstructing Agatha’s path to the milk-house.
  • Felix draws water from the well.

Paris

A city where Victor and his father travel to and where Victor rests and recovers before leaving for Switzerland.

  • Old merchant is tried and condemned to death after being seized in connection with the French government.
  • Felix is present at the trial and vows to free the prisoner.
  • De Lacey and Agatha are thrown into prison after the plot is discovered.
  • News arrives from Paris that affects events after Felix’s escape.
  • Victor’s voyage ends and he proceeds to Paris.
  • Victor rests due to overtaxed strength.
  • He and his father later plan travel onward toward Switzerland.

De Lacey household cottage

A cottage in Germany associated with Felix and Agatha; provides refuge after imprisonment and trial.

  • Felix and Agatha find a miserable asylum in Germany and live in a cottage where Victor discovers them.
  • Safie ultimately arrives in safety at the cottage after her attendant’s death.

Leghorn

An Italian port city; the merchant decides to wait there for a favorable opportunity, and where Safie’s father’s plans unfold before his final departure.

  • The merchant waits in Leghorn for an opportunity to pass into Turkish dominions.
  • Safie remains with her father until his departure; later she is left as a boarder at a convent in Leghorn (as a plan).

Constantinople

The Ottoman capital referenced as the direction the Turkish merchant initially traveled/was connected to.

  • Safie arrived from Constantinople to join her father earlier in the story.
  • The merchant hires a vessel to convey him to Constantinople.

A prison in Paris

A dungeon-like setting in which the Turkish merchant waits in despair with chains and from which escape is attempted.

  • A grated window in an unguarded part of the prison allows Felix’s attempts at nightly communication.
  • The merchant is convicted and condemned to death; Felix’s vow aims at delivering him.

the hovel

A small shelter the Creature crept into near the cottage while waiting for the family’s accustomed hour.

  • The Creature brings the portmanteau back and continually studies the books there.
  • The Creature flees back to his hovel after the interview fails.
  • The Creature waits in silent expectation.
  • He continues his remainder of the day there in despair.

The wood

A forested area where the Creature wanders, hides, and later travels through after leaving the cottage.

  • The Creature wanders at night, howling and raging.
  • He hides under underwood during the day after deciding to return.
  • He travels through and later lives in after being shot.

Cypress-shaded spot by the river

A concealed hiding place under a cypress near a deep and rapid river, where the Creature sees a girl running and later intervenes.

  • He hides while hearing voices by the river.
  • He saves a girl after her foot slips into the current.

the lake

A body of water near Victor’s home where he seeks solitude in a small boat and watches clouds and waves.

  • Victor spends whole days alone in a little boat, listening to rippling waves.
  • The wind and rain intensify around the lake area.
  • Victor and others search the lake using boats and nets after the Creature disappears.

Strasburgh

A city in which Victor waits for Clerval and begins the Rhine descent plan.

  • Victor arrives and waits two days for Clerval.
  • They agree to descend the Rhine by boat from Strasburgh.

the Rhine

A major river route through varied landscapes and towns, traveled by boat.

  • Victor and Clerval descend the Rhine toward Rotterdam.
  • They pass willowy islands, towns, and ruined castles, and travel during the vintage.

Mainz

A city on the Rhine where they arrive on the fifth day from Strasburgh.

  • They arrive at Mainz.
  • Victor describes the more picturesque Rhine below Mainz.

Rotterdam

A port city reached after the Rhine journey; then they proceed by sea to England.

  • They arrive in a few days at Rotterdam.
  • From Rotterdam they travel by sea to England.

England

The destination country for Victor and Clerval’s journey, culminating in Victor’s first sight of British cliffs.

  • They proceed by sea to England.
  • Victor first sees the white cliffs of Britain.

London

A celebrated city; Victor and Henry’s base of months, where Victor seeks information via scholars.

  • They see the numerous steeples of London.
  • St. Paul’s and the Tower dominate Victor’s view.
  • Victor collects materials for his work
  • Victor uses letters of introduction to consult distinguished natural philosophers
  • Victor travels with Henry while avoiding company

Scotland

Victor and Henry’s northern destination for extending their journey and later for Victor’s solitary work.

  • A correspondent invites them toward Perth
  • Victor ultimately traverses the northern highlands

Perth (Scotland)

A town in Scotland and the residence of Victor and Henry’s Scotch friend.

  • Victor and Henry travel to Perth
  • Victor separates from Henry and asks him to remain while Victor continues alone

Oxford

Ancient university city and historical landscape; associated with Civil War memories and famous landmarks.

  • Victor and Henry spend a considerable period there
  • They visit sites associated with Charles I and his companions
  • They visit Hampden’s tomb and the field of his fall

Matlock

A village and resting place where the surroundings resemble Switzerland on a smaller scale.

  • Victor and Henry move on to Matlock
  • They visit a wondrous cave and natural history cabinets

Cumberland and Westmorland

Regions north of Derby where Victor and Henry spend about two months and make acquaintances.

  • Victor and Henry pass two months there
  • They travel among lakes and mountain scenery

Edinburgh

Capital city with a new town, castle, environs, and named landmarks admired by Henry.

  • Victor and Henry visit Edinburgh
  • Victor finds himself impatient to end the journey
  • They later depart Edinburgh

Orkneys (remotest island)

A remote island in the Orkney group selected by Victor as the scene of his labours; described as rocky, barren, and wave-beaten.

  • Victor fixes upon one of the remotest Orkneys as the labours’ scene
  • He rents a vacant hut there and starts living in solitude

Vacant hut (on the island)

A poor, two-room hut with collapsing thatch and unplastered walls; Victor hires and repairs it.

  • Victor hires the vacant hut
  • Victor orders repairs and buys furniture and takes possession

Victor’s laboratory

Victor’s laboratory/workroom by the sea; used for his experiments and housing the half-finished creation.

  • Victor destroys the half-finished female-work by tearing it apart
  • Victor later unlocks the laboratory to remove instruments and handle remains

The sea

The surrounding waters near Victor’s island and later the route by skiff; described at moonrise and used for escape.

  • Victor’s boat is driven and later encounters high land
  • Victor casts a basket of instruments into the sea

Irish town with a harbor

A small neat town on the mainland with a good harbor where Victor arrives by sea.

  • Crowds gather around Victor’s arrival
  • Victor is told he must report to Mr. Kirwin’s

Ireland (Irish shores)

The Irish coast and shore where Victor is taken and where Clerval’s body is discovered; described through harbors, creeks, and beaches.

  • Victor’s boat/landing is discussed in relation to the body discovery
  • witnesses describe fishing, night, northerly blast, and landing near a creek
  • Victor is detained in a prison in Ireland before being released

Cottage of an old woman (near the spot)

A nearby cottage on the beach area where the body is brought immediately after discovery.

  • Witnesses describe attempts to restore the dead man to life
  • the body is treated and prepared before apothecary help is fetched

Inn

The lodging/institution where Victor is conducted to see the coffin and body for interment/observation.

  • Kirwin orders Victor taken to the room where the body lies
  • Victor views the corpse of Henry Clerval
  • Victor and Elizabeth stay overnight there.
  • Victor inspects passages and corners for a retreat.
  • Elizabeth is found murdered in a room inside the inn.
  • A crowd enters the room after Victor fires a pistol.
  • The shutters are thrown back and the moon illuminates the chamber when The Creature is seen at the window.

Prison room / dungeon

A dungeon-like room with barred windows and squalid conditions where Victor recovers from fever and where the nurse attends him.

  • Victor awakens to confinement after his fever
  • Mr. Kirwin visits Victor and later brings in Alphonse Frankenstein
  • Victor receives medical care while ill
Secondary 134

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.

The baths near Thonon

A destination for a party of pleasure; a trip where bad weather confines them to an inn.

An inn near the baths

A lodging building where Victor finds a volume of Cornelius Agrippa during the weather delay.

Thonon

The region associated with the baths that Victor’s family visits.

The Frankenstein house near Belrive

The specific house location near Belrive from which Victor watches the thunderstorm.

An old and beautiful oak

A tree located about twenty yards from the Frankenstein house; struck and destroyed during the thunderstorm.

Swiss home

Victor’s broader mountainous homeland setting; described through mountains, seasons, winter silence, and Alpine summers.

Swiss mountains/Jura

The mountain regions surrounding the Swiss home; the Jura mountains are named as the thunderstorm’s direction.

the University of Ingolstadt

The institution Victor plans to attend as a student.

M. Krempe’s lecture space / visiting location

A professor’s setting where Krempe questions Victor and assigns books.

M. Waldman’s lecturing room

Room where Waldman gives public lectures.

M. Waldman’s laboratory

Waldman’s private laboratory space where he explains machines and study tools.

the carriage route / carriage

The conveyance Victor uses to leave for Ingolstadt.

a laboratory at the top of the house / solitary chamber (workshop of filthy creation)

A secluded workspace at the top of Victor’s house, separated from other apartments by a gallery and staircase, used for secret experiments.

charnel-houses / vaults

Places associated with human remains and decay that Victor is compelled to spend days and nights examining.

the dissecting room and the slaughter-house

Facilities supplying biological materials for Victor’s experiments.

The church of Ingolstadt

A church building with a white steeple and a clock used as a time marker.

The courtyard belonging to the house which Victor inhabits

An outdoor courtyard serving as Victor’s temporary refuge during the night after he flees his room.

My own room/bedroom (Victor’s)

Victor’s bedroom within his apartment, where the creature lifts the bed curtain and watches him.

The inn where diligences and carriages stop

An inn at the roadside end of a street, opposite which Victor pauses while watching an approaching coach.

The Swiss diligence stop

The place along the street where the Swiss diligence halts and Henry Clerval alights.

Victor’s chamber (Ingolstadt)

Victor’s lodging/apartment during convalescence, including the room used as his laboratory and later changed by Clerval.

The environs of Ingolstadt

Outlying countryside around Ingolstadt used for a pedestrian tour.

University college grounds (Ingolstadt)

The college where Victor and Henry return on a Sunday afternoon.

Lausanne

A place along Victor’s route where he stays for two days in a painful state of mind; near the lake scenery he observes.

Secheron

A village about half a league from Geneva where Victor stays the night because the city gates are shut.

Salêve

A hill bounding Plainpalais on the south; location where the Creature is seen near rocks and summit.

Copêt

A village mentioned as part of the storm’s location over the lake region between landmarks.

Môle

A peaked mountain east of the lake, sometimes disclosed during lightning in the storm.

Alps of Savoy

Mountain region referenced as echoing the thunder during the storm.

Victor’s father’s house (in Geneva)

The family home in Geneva where Victor returns, sees the library, and views portraits and a William miniature; where the household gathers.

The library

A room in Victor’s father’s house where Victor attends their usual hour of rising.

Plainpalais / hill near the storm landing spot

A low hill near where Victor lands after crossing the lake, used to observe the storm’s progress.

Chêne

A village near Geneva; described as about a league from Geneva.

A barn belonging to a cottage near Geneva

A place of temporary confinement where Justine stays overnight when unable to wake known inhabitants; in the vicinity of Geneva.

Aunt's house at Chêne

A private home at Chêne where Justine was permitted to pass the evening of the murder night.

Alpine valleys

Mountain regions Victor travels toward for grandeur and escape from grief.

Valley of Servox

A prior valley Victor compares against Chamounix; it is described as more beautiful and picturesque than Chamounix.

River Arve

A raging river running beneath the mountains, with waterfalls and thunderous sound.

Bridge of Pélissier

A bridge Victor passes where the ravine opens before his ascent.

Mont Blanc region (including aiguilles and dôme)

The surrounding aiguilles and tremendous dôme of Mont Blanc that overlook the valley; used as a marker of sublime terror and wonder.

Village of Chamounix

A settlement reached after Victor’s ascent and fatigue; described through Victor’s window watching the sky and listening to the Arve.

Arveiron sources

Sources of the Arveiron river, rising from a glacier with slow advancing pace that appears to barricade the valley.

Valley

The valley below steep mountain sides, filled with mists rising from rivers and exposed to pouring rain and storm conditions.

Glacier

The icy glacier overhanging and advancing from the hill summit, described as an immutable natural spectacle with thunderous avalanche sounds; later becomes a traversable 'sea of ice' with uneven surface and crevices.

Summit of the hills

The higher ground from which the glacier advances down toward the valley.

Opposite mountain / bare perpendicular rock

A neighboring mountain mass described as a bare perpendicular rock directly opposite Victor’s position on Montanvert.

Brook near Ingolstadt forest

A clear stream supplying drink; a water source beside which the Creature rests and slakes thirst.

Forest (woodlands) beyond the brook area

The wooded region the Creature traverses during survival and after losing/abandoning the first fire.

A place with a huge cloak

A tree-covered spot where the Creature finds a huge cloak to cover himself.

Open country with snow-covered fields

A wintry landscape of uniform white fields after a night of snowfall; disconsolate and cold damp ground chills the Creature.

Small hut on a rising ground

A shepherd’s hut with an open door; sheltered from snow and rain and dry; contains an old man preparing breakfast near a fire.

Village

A settlement of huts, cottages, and stately houses; includes gardens and windows where milk and cheese are placed.

Pig sty (near the hovel)

A nearby enclosure that provides partial light to the Creature’s hidden space through a gap.

Clear pool of water (near the hovel)

A pool of water adjacent to the Creature’s hovel location and exposed on the sides.

Window with filled panes / small crevice

A blocked portion of the cottage window where a small nearly imperceptible chink allows the Creature to look in at a bare, whitewashed room with a small fire.

The forest/woods

A general wooded area referenced as the place Felix could go for wood or activity; contrasted with the day Felix instead repairs and cultivates.

The outhouse (wood storage)

A storage area for wood associated with household provisioning; the Creature is astonished when its store seems replenished.

The woods path cleared from snow

A route from the cottage made passable during snowy conditions by an invisible caretaker.

black ground

A dark/wooded area around the cottage that becomes covered with herbage as spring advances; described alongside green banks and moonlight woods.

green banks / moonlight woods

The natural landscape near the cottage: green banks with countless flowers and moonlit woods with pale stars of radiance; used to describe Victor’s nocturnal rambles.

Lyons

A city in France mentioned as part of the merchant escape route.

Mont Cenis

A mountain pass mentioned as part of the escape route from France to Italy.

Turkey

Safie’s region/realm of fear and aversion; associated with the idea of returning to Asia and confinement in a harem.

A town about twenty leagues from the cottage of De Lacey

A German town positioned as a stopping point on Safie’s journey to the cottage; she arrives there with an attendant who becomes ill.

A convent at Leghorn

A religious institution mentioned as the planned place for Safie to remain during Felix’s efforts to free others.

Paradise

A figurative reference point from Milton’s poem, evoked in the Creature’s imagination rather than a real location.

a neighbouring fair

A nearby public fair serving as destination for the De Lacey servants; offstage but relevant to timing.

Thick underwood

Dense vegetation used by the Creature as concealment while he reflects and avoids detection.

Garden (of the cottage)

The cultivated grounds adjoining the cottage, associated with produce that is threatened in the eviction conversation.

Switzerland (confines / environs)

The region near which the Creature travels as his approach to Geneva begins.

Deep and rapid river

A fast-flowing river with precipitous sides; frozen at times in earlier travel and later open enough for a fall during spring.

The barn

An empty-looking barn where The Creature later encounters a sleeping woman.

The fields surrounding Geneva

Surrounding fields around Geneva where the Creature retires to meditate and plan.

Mountains of Jura

A range visible behind Geneva, referenced as a backdrop when the Creature is fatigued and miserable.

Environs of Geneva

The outskirts around Geneva where the Creature arrives in evening.

South America

A vast wild region proposed by The Creature as the exile destination away from human society.

Chamounix

A village in the Alpine region where Victor arrives in the morning after his ordeal on the mountains.

The mountain (ice and paths)

An unnamed mountainous landscape with a sea of ice, glaciers, pines, broken trees, and stars and winds; the setting for Victor and the Creature’s conversation.

The fountain (halfway resting-place)

A midway stop on Victor’s route downward where he seats himself beside a fountain at night.

Europe / neighbourhood of man

Broader geographic and social scope invoked as the area the Creature promises to avoid once the female companion is created.

Mannheim

A town on the Rhine where Victor and Clerval stay a day.

Cologne

A city on the route mentioned as beyond which they reach the plains of Holland.

the plains of Holland

Lowland region reached after Cologne.

the Thames

A river in England that Victor observes upon arrival, lined with remembered stories of towns.

Tilbury Fort

A fort near the Thames referenced as remembered for the Spanish Armada.

Gravesend

A town on the Thames referenced with remembrance associations.

Woolwich

A town on the Thames.

Greenwich

A town on the Thames.

St. Paul’s

A cathedral in London towering above other steeples.

the Tower (Tower of London)

A historic tower in London, famed in English history.

Strasburgh to Rotterdam route

Planned river and sea travel itinerary combining boat descent on the Rhine and sea travel from Rotterdam to England.

Windsor

A location near which Victor and Henry spend a few days rambling in a forest.

Isis (river beside Oxford)

The river flowing by Oxford through meadows and reflecting towers and spires.

Servox and Chamounix

Names of collections/locations mentioned for comparison to Matlock’s natural history cabinets.

Derby

A point along their northward route before entering Cumberland.

Arthur’s Seat

A landmark near Edinburgh described as delightful.

St. Bernard’s Well

A landmark near Edinburgh described as delightful.

Pentland Hills

Hills near Edinburgh described as part of the delightful environs.

Coupar

A place passed through on the way from Edinburgh to Perth.

St. Andrew’s

A place passed through on the way from Edinburgh to Perth.

River Tay (banks)

A river whose banks they travel along toward Perth.

Windsor forest

The forest in Windsor where Victor and Henry ramble.

Cumberland lakes

Lakes within Cumberland and Westmorland that they visit.

Northern highlands of Scotland

A remote mountainous region Victor traverses in order to work alone.

Remote island’s sea stony beach

A stony shore where Victor walks in the evenings to listen to the waves.

Mainland (near the island)

The nearest land source for vegetables, bread, and fresh water.

A rocky isle (solitary island)

An isolated barren rock where Victor seeks solitude and contemplates refusing his promise.

The casement (at the window)

The window location where Victor looks and sees the creature.

Perth

A planned meeting destination mentioned in Clerval’s letter; a waypoint for travel southwards.

A cottage near Victor’s house (peasant dwelling)

A nearby cottage where peasants dwell, mentioned as a possible source of help.

Mr. Kirwin’s house (best house in town)

The house Victor is led to after being taken by a conductor to give an account.

The cottage of the old woman near the spot (alternate phrasing)

Same coastal cottage location where the body is laid and examined.

Switzerland

A destination country toward which Victor and his father travel after Paris.

Ireland

A prior location of imprisonment and tragedies Victor references.

Geneva (journey/return context)

Repetition of Victor’s return to his home; used as a stable reference point.

Villa Lavenza

A villa owned by Elizabeth near Lake Como, where the couple plans to spend the first days of happiness.

Como

A shores/region connected to Elizabeth’s small possession and property restored by the Austrian government.

Evian

A lakeside town on their water journey; a planned overnight stop after the wedding ceremony.

River Drance

A river passed by the couple during their water travel; its path through hills is described.

Lake near Villa Lavenza (Como/Lake context)

A scenic lake described as beautiful and associated with the couple’s future happiness beside it.

Mont Salêve

A visible mountain across the lake during the couple’s voyage.

Montalègre

A lakeside area/pleasant banks mentioned alongside Mont Salêve.

Amphitheatre of mountains (eastern boundary of the lake)

A landscape formation forming the eastern boundary of the lake.

U.S. Austrian government (as place-adjacent reference)

A governing authority; included here only as a named political entity tied to restitution.