Frankenstein

SETTING The novel starts with a sea-captain writing from St. Petersburg to his sister in England. Robert Walton, the sea-captain, is traveling towards the North Pole via Archangel when he encounters Victor Frankenstein. The focus of the book then shifts to Victor Frankenstein, whose story begins in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is born. Other European cities, which Victor's parents visit early in their marriage, are mentioned. At the age of seventeen, Victor leaves for the university at Ingolstadt, where he spends six years. He creates the monster in an old deserted house in this city. The novel is set mainly in Geneva against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Plainpalais in Geneva is the place where Frankenstein loses his brother, William. The mountains and lakes of Switzerland are prominent in the protagonist's life. Victor seeks refuge in the village and valley of Chamounix. For a change of scenery, Victor stays at his house in Belrive. It is on Montanvert that Victor encounters the monster. The story of the monster is set largely in Germany, since he is created in Ingolstadt. He spends much time by a cottage in the hills of Germany, where he observes the De Lacey family. But the narrative is not restricted to Europe alone. The De Lacey family originates in France and has ties to the Near East. The monster wanders about in the woods and mountains of Europe. He crosses them in order to reach Geneva. Victor wishes to travel abroad. He begins with a trip to England. Then he and Henry meet at Strasbourg and descend the Rhine River to Rotterdam, from where they head for London. From London they proceed to Perth, Scotland. Victor travels the northern highlands, and on a remote island he finds the place where he can create the second monster. The action now moves to Ireland, where Victor finds himself lost. His father and he are then bound for Havrede-GrÐ"Ñžce, away from the Irish shores. They then proceed to Paris and later leave for Geneva again, where Elizabeth and Victor enjoy their courtship. They get married and spend some brief time on the shores of Lake Como, where Elizabeth has inherited property. Victor returns to Geneva alone, but leaves soon afterward in search of the monster. Later, the readers are taken along the Rhine and visit the Mediterranean and Black Seas, as well as the wilds of Tartary and Russia. The action eventually reaches the North Pole, where Robert and Victor meet. Robert is forced to return to England. Thus, the novel is set all over Europe. The North Pole is uncharted territory for Robert, but for Victor, it is a place where he can destroy the monster.

LIST OF CHARACTERS

Major Character

Victor Frankenstein The young scientist, around whose creation the story revolves. He can be said to be an example, or role-model, for Robert.

Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein The "more than sister" of Victor Frankenstein. She is an adopted child, and she later marries Victor. The monster murders her after her marriage.

Henry Clerval The son of a merchant and a dear friend of Victor's. He is often Victor's protector, and he becomes one of the victims of the "monster."

The "Monster" The result of Victor's ambition. He is an enormous creature and a misfit in society. He is feared by all because of his appearance, and he learns to despise humankind. His goal is to destroy his creator, Victor Frankenstein.

Minor Characters

William Frankenstein The younger brother of Victor. He falls prey to the "monster".

Ernest Frankenstein Also the younger brother of Victor. He wants to join the military and remains the sole surviving member of the Frankenstein family.

Alphonse Frankenstein Victor's father. He is a man of character.

Caroline Frankenstein The kind, devoted wife of Alphonse Frankenstein. She dies before Victor leaves for the university.

M. Krempe A professor of Victor's at the University of Ingolstadt.

M. Waldman Also a professor of Victor's. He becomes a mentor and a friend to Victor. He appreciates Victor's passion for learning and encourages him to study science.

De Lacey An old man from France; he lives in exile in Germany. He is the father of Agatha and Felix.

Robert Walton The sea-captain and explorer who meets Victor and learns his story.

Agatha De Lacey The daughter of De Lacey. She is a mild-mannered and sweet girl.

Felix De Lacey The loving son of De Lacey. He marries Safie after helping her father escape from France.

Safie Felix's love interest. She breaks free from Arab tradition and marries Felix, a Christian.

The Turk Safie's father. He is a Turkish merchant in France. He is strongly opposed to Safie's marriage to Felix.

Mr. Kirwin An Irish magistrate who takes care of Victor when he is imprisoned in Ireland.

Justine Moritz An adopted child of Caroline Frankenstein. She is tried for the murder of William and executed, thus she is an indirect victim of the monster's violence.

Margaret Saville The sister of Robert Walton and the recipient of his letters. She is married and has children.

CONFLICT

Protagonist Victor Frankenstein is the creator of the "monster." Because of his thirst for knowledge, he goes