Chapter 8

This chapter
Characters 41
Places 58
Victor recounts Justine Moritz’s trial and condemnation for William Frankenstein’s murder. Despite Elizabeth Lavenza’s testimony and Justine’s defense, Justine later confesses a falsehood, and she is executed, deepening Victor’s remorse as his family mourns.

On stage

Victor Frankenstein Attends Justine’s trial with his family, suffers during the proceedings, learns of Justine’s confession, and visits Justine in prison, unable to keep hope despite Elizabeth’s efforts.
Alphonse Frankenstein Attends Justine’s trial as a witness and allows or influences whether Elizabeth may visit Justine in prison.
Elizabeth Lavenza Testifies to Justine’s character at the trial, confronts the news of Justine’s confession, and visits Justine in prison where they talk privately; she mourns deeply as Justine is executed.
Justine Moritz Defends herself at trial by explaining her actions during the night of the murder; later confesses a falsehood was forced/pressured; comforts Elizabeth and Victor, then dies.

Mentioned

Caroline Frankenstein Referenced as someone Justine nursed in her last illness.
William Frankenstein Referenced repeatedly as the murdered child whose disappearance and body underpin Justine’s accusation.
Henry Clerval Not directly involved in the action; referenced only through broader context not present here.
Old woman Not involved in the chapter’s events.
The Creature Explicitly blamed by Victor in retrospect as the murderer of William and the instrument behind Justine’s condemnation.
Market-woman Testifies or is described as having perceived Justine near the spot where the body was later found.
Servant Discovers the picture and it is later produced as evidence against Justine.
Magistrate Informs Victor that Justine has already confessed and comments on judicial preference regarding circumstantial evidence.
Justine's confessor Besieges Justine in prison and coerces a false confession.
Officer Guesses why Victor came to court after ballots are cast and delivers related details.
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.

Settings

The Court A public courtroom where the trial is held; witnessed by crowds and judged by formal authorities.
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.
The Prison chamber A gloomy prison room where Justine is held with straw on the floor and manacled hands; used for private visits.
Main 5

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 +11 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Alphonse Frankenstein

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

Head of the Frankenstein family; father of Victor; responsible patriarchal witness in court proceedings; grieving and powerless against the legal outcome.

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
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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 and betrothed, raised as his sister; steady, affectionate advocate for others; holds firm to Justine’s innocence until Justine’s false confession forces renewed grief.

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
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

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; no presence in this courtroom and prison sequence.

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
Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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 deathThe Creature self-narration +2 more
Chapters 4, 5, 7, 8
Secondary 7

Caroline Frankenstein

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

Victor’s mother and Alphonse’s wife; her memory is invoked through Justine’s service and nursing in the household; no physical presence in the chapter.

Beaufort daughterVictor Frankenstein motherAlphonse Frankenstein husbandElizabeth Lavenza protective guardian/adopter; treats as gift to VictorWilliam Frankenstein mother +2 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7, 8

Ernest Frankenstein

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

Victor’s younger brother; energetic and involved in family reactions; emotionally affected by William’s death and by the subsequent discovery and accusation within the household.

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
Chapters 3, 5, 6, 7

Justine Moritz

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

Frankenstein household servant and companion; calm and composed despite public hatred; insists on innocence but later reveals she confessed a lie under pressure from a confessor; ultimately resigned and devout as she faces execution.

Victor Frankenstein household companionElizabeth Lavenza cohabiting household relationBeaufort none (not stated directly in this excerpt)Alphonse Frankenstein household servantWilliam Frankenstein murder-related circumstances +1 more
Chapters 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

M. Krempe

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

A natural philosophy professor at Ingolstadt, harsh and blunt in manner. He is self-confident, critical of competitors in scholarship, and expresses satisfaction in turning conversation away from topics that discomfort others.

Victor Frankenstein professor; teacher/lecturer he directsM. Waldman colleague professor who alternates lectures with himHenry Clerval present during the professor visit
Chapters 3, 4, 6

M. Waldman

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

A chemistry professor at Ingolstadt, kind and warm, who encourages Victor’s scientific study. He mistakenly interprets Victor’s distress as modesty and attempts to draw him out by praising his progress.

Victor Frankenstein professor; adviser and encouraging teacherM. Krempe colleague professor who alternates lectures with himHenry Clerval interacts with Henry during introductions
Chapters 3, 4, 6

Alphonse Frankenstein (again implied at farewell)

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

Victor Frankenstein father
Chapter 3

Old woman

Also known as: hired nurse, Old, hired

An unnamed hired nurse associated with tending Victor in the Irish prison; not present in the chapter’s court/prison scenes.

Victor Frankenstein nurse/attendant
Chapter 8
Mentioned 29
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.
Main 13

Geneva

Victor’s native city and the location of the family home and the legal proceedings; referenced through city gates and letters dated there.

  • 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.
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

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.
Chapter 2

Ingolstadt

A city in which Victor lives and walks, with churches and streets described under rain and morning gloom.

  • 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.
Chapters 3, 4, 5

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.
Chapter 3

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
Chapter 5

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.
Chapter 6

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.
Chapter 7

The lake (near Geneva)

The large lake bordering the route to Geneva and used for crossing to Plainpalais by boat; often depicted with placid or stormlit imagery.

  • 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.
Chapter 7

Mont Blanc

A snowy mountain visible in the sky near the route and dramatically lit during the storm at night; used metaphorically by Victor.

  • 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.
Chapter 7

Jura

Mountain range visible near the lake and referenced as echoing the thunder during the storm.

  • Victor hears the thunder echoed from the Jura while watching the tempest.
  • They see the mighty Jura on the opposite banks.
Chapter 7

Belrive

A promontory referenced for the storm’s position over the lake.

  • 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.
Chapter 7

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.
Chapter 8

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.
Chapter 8
Secondary 45

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.

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