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Mary Shelley's Life

Brief Plot Summary

Analysis of Themes

Return to AP Review/Frankenstein

Dr. Victor Frankenstein
    The protagonist of the story, Victor is 
passionate about science and creation.  He 
makes what he believes to be the most beautiful
creation until it comes to life.  Now he must 
take responsibility for the life that he 
created.

Monster
    The victim of Victor's studies, the monster
is rejected by society for his appearance.  He
then decides to enact revenge on Victor for not
caring for him, thus providing the antagonist of
the story.  He is a symbol for the outcasts and 
rejected of society.

Elizabeth Frankenstein
    Elizabeth is adopted by the Frankenstein 
family and is chosen because of her beauty.
She is brought up knowing that she and Victor
will marry as soon as they have grown up.  She 
is one example of the tortured woman who is
left behind and falls victim to society.     

Clerval
    This man is Victor's friend at college who
serves as a confidant for Victor during his 
experiments.  He is also murdered by the 
monster while Victor is at first accused of the
crime.    

William Frankenstein
    William is Victor's brother and is the
first victim of the monster's rage.  His 
murder is the way for the monster to get 
Victor's attention.

Justine
   This servant girl is a symbol of the 
virtuous and innocent in society that are 
falsely accused and persecuted.  She is 
accused of murdering William and is hung for
a crime she did not commit.

Robert Walton
    Robert is the captain of an Arctic ship and 
the story is told from his point of view. In a 
letter, he is re-telling the story to his sister
that Victor has told him, creating a Frame Story.