Megan Minix

AP English
Mr. Bradley
9 February 2016
Frankenstein Literary Analysis
The characters in Frankenstein each plan an individually important role for the overall
story, in what ways do they do this?
When you break down any novel, it is made up of four main ingredients: plot, setting,
characters and theme. Now think back to your favorite novel(s).. Was it the exotic location that
kept you reading? Or were you intrigued by the central topic? More than likely it was not either
the setting or the theme, and sure the plot of the story probably captivated your interest, but what
about the characters? The characters in any book are the reason behind a reader creating a
relation with the story, for they are the ones living in the exotic location, driving the central topic,
and existing in the plot. It is incredibly common for any reader to have a favorite character
instead of a favorite publication, which is why characters carry such a heavy load of importance
when it comes to a novel. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein does not stray from this statement, which
is why many characters in this novel, specifically the main ones, have an important role in the
story line.
Frankenstein was written by Mary Shelley in the Romantic era of literature in attempt to
give warning about the consequences of the Enlightenment. It was written from three point of
views, those being Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and Frankensteins monster, and was
structured in such a way that the monsters story was narrated within Victors story, in which
Walton relayed through his letters to his sister. In short, the novel summarizes in such that Victor

is driven to invent immortality by creating a human from scratch parts, but Victor rejects his
creation immediately due to his realization of his actions. The monster then goes off on his own
only to face more rejection and failure which influences him to take revenge on Victor by
murdering Victors loved ones. Victor and his monster are eventually forced into isolation in the
North, where they meet Walton and his crew. The novel then concludes by Victor expiring, the
monster disappearing, and Walton learning from his friend's mistakes.
With the summarization in mind, it is clear that each narrator of Frankenstein holds a
great significance in the story, especially Victor Frankenstein. Victor is the protagonist, which
gives him majority of the story lines control. His main role in Shelleys writing is to prove how
progression can go too far, for not only does he create a being that society is not prepared for, but
he lacks the ability to manage the situation. Victor was able to admit that he was unable to
endure the aspect of the being [he] had created, (Shelley) which is what most Romantics were
afraid would happen with the Enlightenment. This quality, along with Victors arrogancy, allows
the reader to humanize Victor and relate to his flaws. This relation is also a characteristic of
another function of Victors role, which is fulfilling the tragic hero archetype. Victor fits this
theme with his hamartia being arrogancy, and his peripeteia being death after isolation. This
pattern continues with Victors understanding of what he has done wrong by revealing he was
seized by remorse and the sense of guilt, which hurried [him] away to a hell of intense tortures,
such as no language can describe, (Shelley). By detecting this archetype, the reader gains the
means to relate it to works with a similar theme, which enables them to develop their
understanding. A common story a reader relates Frankenstein to is Prometheuss Greek
mythology, especially considering Shelley directly alludes to the myth by subtitling her novel
The Modern Prometheus. The myth tells that Prometheus steals fire from Zeus to give to

mankind.. And Zeus is so mad that he chains Prometheus up and inflicts on Man the worst thing
he can think of, (shmoop.com). In the comparison, Victor is Prometheus because he gifts
humanity with something they are not capable of handling, i.e. his monster or fire. Like
Prometheus, Victor also faces the consequences of his actions, and because of these similarities
the reader has a reference of comparison which increases their understanding of Victor and his
role.
With regards to Victor being Prometheus, his fire has to be his creation. Shelley alludes
to the monster being Victors fire in hope that the reader will label him as an advancement that
society is not prepared for. Fire itself symbolizes knowledge, and how it can be a gift and a
penalty, which Shelley further portrays when the monster learns what fire is and how it gives
him warmth and then burns him, (shmoop.com). When the reader is able to connect the monster
to fire, they are able to understand that his significance is to prove how progress can be
detrimental when the surrounding world is not willing to accept it. Another reasoning behind the
monster's existence in Frankenstein is to give the reader another being to relate to.
Frankensteins monster is a character that the reader can find their insecure and dark self within,
for the monster possesses an immature, vengeful soul, but he is neither good nor evil. With
Shelley including the monsters point of view, the reader is allowed insight to his mind, which
creates pathos towards the should be horrific creation. The monster gains this pathos and
relationship when he reveals his thoughts to Victor exclaiming Accursed creator! Why did you
form a monster so hideous that even YOU turned from me in disgust? (Shelley). This awareness
of insecurity enables the reader to sympathize, and possibly even empathize, with the monster,
further developing their understanding and interest in the novel.

Uniquely of importance to Shelleys novel is Robert Walton, the final narrator of

Frankenstein. When Waltons character is analyzed, the reader can infer that he is Frankensteins
foil. There are similarities and differences in the characters, for Walton supplies a foil and a
parallel for Frankenstein's own exploits, (Miller). Both characters are chasing the edge of
knowledge, but whereas Victor is arrogant, Walton is ambitious. In which Victor warns Walton to
Learn from me How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that
man is to believe his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his
nature will allow, (Shelley) he is displaying how his need to augment his knowledge has
destroyed him, and that Walton needs to promptly accept his current state of accomplishment in
order escape his soon to be similar fate. Due to Waltons ability to step down from his adventure
and learn from Victor, he highlights Victors lack of self control and comprehension of a
situation. As a result, the reader is allowed a better understanding of not only Walton, but Victor
as well. Mary Shelley also means for Robert to be the voice of reason, in that readers should
acknowledge his actions and realize the success in them, for Walton was the only character to
live, so clearly his actions were righteous. With the Enlightenment rebellion in mind, Waltons
exemplifies the ideal romantic model, for he concluded his exploit before he crossed the line,
unlike Victor and the common entrepreneur.
As has been noted, characters hold great influence over the quality of a novel, and this is
indeed applies to Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Whether the characters responsibility is to
impel the dangers of progression, to aid in interpretation, or simply to enthrall the audience, each
one holds substantial importance to the novel. Shelley successfully displays this significance and
accomplishes each role through her main characters.

Word count: 1,239

Works Cited
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Walter James Miller, and Harold Bloom. Frankenstein, Or,
The Modern Prometheus. New American Library, 2000.
Shmoop Editorial Team. "Frankenstein." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov.
2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.
Shmoop Editorial Team. "Prometheus." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov.
2008. Web. 12 Feb. 2016.