Frankenstein · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.
Victor Frankenstein
major
Also known as Victor, Dear Victor, Frankenstein, M. Frankenstein
A brilliant scientist who creates a sentient creature, then is consumed by guilt and revenge.
The Creature
major
Also known as Unknown, Wretch, Devil, my guest, the stranger, Adam, Satan
Victor's intelligent, lonely creation who turns to violence after rejection.
Elizabeth Lavenza
major
Also known as Elizabeth, poor Elizabeth
Victor's adopted sister and fiancée, a gentle and devoted presence.
Henry Clerval
supporting
Also known as Clerval, Henry, M. Clerval, Dearest Clerval, Chapter VI Clerval
Victor's loyal childhood friend who provides emotional support and companionship.
Robert Walton
supporting
Also known as Captain Walton, Walton
An Arctic explorer who rescues Victor and records his story in letters.
Justine Moritz
supporting
Also known as Justine, poor Justine
A kind servant wrongly executed for William's murder, devastating the Frankenstein family.
Alphonse Frankenstein
supporting
Also known as Frankenstein, Madame Frankenstein
Victor's loving father and a respected Genevan magistrate.
William Frankenstein
supporting
Also known as Poor William, William, Dear William
Victor's youngest brother, murdered by the creature in a pivotal event.
Felix De Lacey
supporting
Also known as Felix, the loved Felix
A young man who befriends Safie and unknowingly teaches the creature.
Safie
supporting
Also known as sweet Safie
A beautiful Arabian woman who marries Felix and learns language with the creature.
Agatha De Lacey
minor
Also known as Agatha, the gentle Agatha
Felix's sister, a kind woman who tends to the old man.
Old De Lacey
minor
Also known as De Lacey, the old De Lacey
A blind old man who briefly befriends the creature.
Ernest Frankenstein
minor
Also known as Ernest
Victor's younger brother who survives the family tragedies.
Caroline Beaufort
minor
Also known as Beaufort, Caroline Beaufort, Caroline
Victor's mother who dies of scarlet fever before the main events.
Mr. Kirwin
minor
Also known as Mr. Kirwin
A magistrate who prosecutes Victor for Henry's murder in Ireland.
M. Waldman
minor
Also known as M. Waldman
A chemistry professor who inspires Victor's scientific ambitions.
M. Krempe
minor
Also known as Mr. Krempe, M. Krempe
A blunt natural philosophy professor who dismisses Victor's early studies.
Margaret Saville
minor
Also known as Margaret, Mrs. Saville
Walton's sister to whom he writes the letters framing the novel.
Madame Moritz
minor
Also known as Madame Moritz
Justine's mother who treats her harshly.
Daniel Nugent
minor
Also known as Daniel Nugent, Daniel
A witness in the trial of Victor for Henry's murder.
Louis Manoir
minor
Also known as Louis Manoir, Manoir
A man mentioned in the De Lacey family's backstory.
