Characterization

1. Victor Frankenstein- Victor Frankensteins curiosity and passion to learn and solve the
mysteries of the world started from a young age. My temper was sometimes violent, and
my passions vehement; but by some law in my temperature they were turned not towards
childish pursuits but to an eager desire to learn, and not to learn all things
indiscriminately (pg. 23). He was not interested in the activities most children were
interested in, he enjoyed science, and more specifically he wanted to learn the workings
of life and death and how to manipulate them to work how he wanted them
to. Throughout the novel, the readers learn more about Victor, like how intelligent and
determined he is. How committed he is in creating life. When he finally creates Pieces we
see his cowardice side and his irresponsibility to care for his creation. Throughout the
novel readers also see how family-oriented Victor is, and how he is willing to sacrifice
himself for them. This bravery is seen when he promises to avenge the deaths of his
beloved ones, by killing Pieces.
2. Pieces (the monster)- "His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries
beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of a pearly whiteness; but
these luxuriance only formed a more horrid contrast with his watery eyes..." The first fact
we learn about Pieces is that he is incredibly hideous and disgusting. This makes sense
since Pieces was made out of different parts of the dead. Frankenstein is terrified of the
creature because he hardly resembles a normal human. Physically we learn that Pieces is
horrible thing to look at, but emotionally we learn that all he ever wanted was to be
loved. Pieces woke up to his father running away from him, terrified. So, after wandering
by himself, Pieces becomes rejected by all humans who pass his way. This makes Pieces

mad and so loneliness turns to depression and rage. Readers also learn that Pieces is
incredibly smart and learns anything fast.
3. Elizabeth- Elizabeth is described to be sweet, motherly, and loyal to those she trusts and
loves. She is also described as family-oriented. Everyone loves her for her physical
beauty, but also for her sympathetic personality. She busied herself with following the
aerial creations of the poets; and in the majestic and wondrous scenes which surrounded
our Swiss home (pg. 22). She did not enjoy the sciences (Victor Frankenstein), but
instead she enjoyed the beauty of nature and the arts. However, this happiness and joy did
not last forever, for the deaths of William and Justine drop her hope in humanity. Also she
ends up dying, because of Pieces.
4. Henry Clerval- .Yet he might not have been so perfectly humane, so thoughtful in his

generosity, so full of kindness and tenderness amidst his passion for adventurous exploit
(pg. 24). Henry Clerval is depicted as a very adventurous man that is always looking for a
new adventure. Henry Clerval is also shown as a good friend and a loyal friend. The day
Pieces was created, Clerval found Victor in bad shape and so he took months off school
and nursed Victor back to health.