Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Immediately after creating the monster, he falls into a depression and fear. He leaves the school and returns home to his family, only to find tragedy there. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new human, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation.

The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt.”Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature,” the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. The monster’s rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator’s family.

Henry Clerval Victor’s best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. He studies language at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor’s creation.

Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. Elizabeth later becomes Victor’s wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. She is a champion for the poor and underpriviledged.

Alphonse Frankenstein Victor’s father. He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened.

Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein Victor’s mother. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. Caroline was very involved in charity work — much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft — especially for families in poverty.

William Frankenstein Victor’s youngest brother who is killed by the monster. Symbolically, William’s murder is the turning point of the novel, when turmoil engulfs the Frankenstein family and all innocence is lost in the family. Also, William’s death signals for the reader the end of Victor’s belief that his actions can have no consequences.

Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. Accused of William’s murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. If William’s death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine’s death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous.

The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. The monster’s adopted family. Exiled from France for treason against their government.

Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville.

Margaret Saville Robert’s sister. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor’s story.