Role
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 2.1.1
Development I
Victor develops from an innocent and intellectual youth to an ambitious man, to a character motivated only by revenge. This highlights the inevitable downfall of someone who obsessively pursues knowledge.
A complex character
- Shelley uses the character of Victor to challenge the reader's response to him as a protagonist.
- The readers feelings towards Victor change throughout the novel, especially as the narrative is transferred between different characters.
A victim
- Victor is introduced in Walton's initial letters.
- Victor is decribed as 'a European', in direct opposition to the Monster, who is 'a savage inhabitant of some undiscovered island'.
- Victor is also described as 'a man on the brink of destruction', suggesting he is just an innocent victim of the creature.
- Walton aligns himself with Victor.
- Walton describes Victor as 'so noble a creature' with a 'cultivated' mind and 'unparalleled eloquence'.
A well-liked character
- Victor is well-loved by his family and friends, and Professor Waldman quickly develops a liking for him.
- Victor's amiable character could suggest that he is ultimately a good man.
- Victor changes his mind regarding Walton's self-centred pursuits, advising him to 'avoid ambition', and appears to have learnt from his experiences.
Criticism of society
- Shelley could also be suggesting that the characters who fail to see Victor's flaws are themselves short-sighted.
- This could be Shelley's criticism of a society which prizes background and nobility above moral worth.
Development II
Victor develops from an innocent and intellectual youth to an ambitious man, to a character motivated only by revenge, highlighting the inevitable downfall from an obsessive pursuit of knowledge.
An arrogant character
- The confidence with which Victor presents his ambition can come across as arrogant.
- Victor's neglect of his loving family and friends in pursuit of scientific glory makes him seem self-centred and callous.
A coward
- The reader begins to lose sympathy for Victor during Justine Moritz's trial.
- Victor repeatedly states his desire to intervene but entirely fails to take action.
- Victor refers to himself as the 'true murderer' of his brother William, voicing his sense of responsibility.
A villain
- In the Monster's narrative, Shelley presents the Monster as thoughtful, rational and eloquent.
- This presentation contrasts vastly with the way in which Victor has presented the Monster up to this point.
- Victor is cruel and violent towards the Monster, attacking him and insulting him with 'Abhorred monster!' and 'fiend'.
- Shelley calls the Monster's 'monstrosity' into question and encourages the reader to query the validity of Victor's own narrative, as well as his actions.
Test yourself on Role
Which quote suggests Victor is just an innocent victim of the creature?
When does the reader begin to lose sympathy for Victor?