Comparison between Characters of Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* is not only a masterpiece of Gothic literature but also a clinic in character development and narrative depth. Shelley crafts her characters with a complexity that invites readers to explore profound themes such as creation, ambition, revenge, and isolation. This essay delves into some of the central characters of the novel—Victor Frankenstein, the creature, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Robert Walton—and examines how they each contribute to the novel’s intricate exploration of humanity.

Victor Frankenstein, the ambitious scientist, is perhaps one of the most complex characters in literary history.

Driven by a desire to conquer death and achieve greatness, Victor embodies the Romantic ideal of the overreaching hero who is doomed by his hubris. His fascination with natural philosophy and chemistry leads him to create life from death, an act that he believes will crown him with glory, but instead brings profound tragedy. Victor’s character arc is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral responsibilities that come with scientific advancement. His failure to care for his creation, or to anticipate the consequences of his actions, sets off a chain of events that leads to his ultimate ruin.

The creature, often erroneously referred to as “Frankenstein,” is another central figure whose tragic story is a powerful critique of society and human nature. Born as a tabula rasa, the creature is initially gentle and seeks love and companionship. However, his grotesque appearance makes him an outcast, and he is repeatedly met with cruelty and rejection. This treatment drives him to violence and vengeance, which he rationalizes as a response to the suffering he has endured. The creature’s eloquence and capacity for thought and emotion make him a deeply sympathetic character, challenging the reader to reconsider what it means to be monstrous. His narrative provides a poignant exploration of isolation and the innate human need for connection and understanding.

Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s adopted sister and later his wife, is a paragon of virtue and domesticity. Her character represents the idealized view of women prevalent in the early 19th century. Elizabeth is patient, kind, and selflessly devoted to Victor, embodying the angelic qualities expected of women at the time. However, her passive role and tragic fate—murdered on her wedding night by the creature as part of his revenge against Victor—highlight the vulnerability of such idealization and serve as a critique of the limited roles available to women.

Robert Walton, the explorer whose letters to his sister frame the novel, mirrors Victor in his ambition and thirst for glory. Walton’s quest to reach the North Pole is driven by a desire to achieve fame and recognition. However, his interactions with Victor, and witnessing the catastrophic results of Victor’s hubris, lead him to reconsider his own quest. Walton serves as a foil to Victor and his story acts as a framing device that brings the central themes of ambition and the quest for knowledge full circle.

Through these characters, *Frankenstein* explores deep and enduring questions about the limits of human endeavor, the moral implications of playing God, and the impacts of societal rejection. Shelley’s characters are not merely individuals but are symbolic of broader human concerns and existential dilemmas, making *Frankenstein* a rich text for analysis and reflection. Each character contributes to a narrative that is as much a warning about the dangers of scientific overreach as it is a poignant study of loneliness, loss, and the search for identity.

Did you like this example?

235

12