A determined and adventurous young man. Victor Frankenstein tells his ‘strange and terrific story’ to an admiring and astonished Walton.

The novel’s central character. A learned man who becomes obsessed by his desire to create life. His fate becomes inextricably linked with the fate of his creation – the monster.

Victor’s creation, a gigantic and outwardly ugly creature made from parts of dead bodies. Originally harmless and innocent, he becomes a violent and vengeful outcast.

An orphan of noble origins, Elizabeth is kind, good and loyal. The monster murders Elizabeth on the night of her wedding to Victor.

A kind and loyal friend of Victor’s who is enthusiastic about learning and a great lover of nature. Clerval is also murdered by the monster.