Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein Character Analysis

The Unreliable Narrator: Victor tells his story to Robert Walton, but he is shown to have 'corrected and augmented' the notes. This suggests that he is manipulating the narrative to present himself as a victim of fate rather than a man responsible for his own choices.

Retrospective Narrative: Because Victor tells his story after the events have occurred, his perspective is colored by his current misery. He often uses foreshadowing and emotive language to emphasize his 'destiny' and 'passion,' which serves to distance him from his past agency.

Epistolary and Framed Structure: Victor's story is a 'tale within a tale.' This structure creates narrative distance, allowing the reader to analyze Victor's character through the eyes of Walton, who initially idolizes him but eventually sees the wreckage of his life.

Victor vs. Henry Clerval: Clerval serves as Victor’s moral and emotional foil. While Victor is obsessed with the 'secrets of heaven and earth' and isolated by science, Clerval is connected to nature, literature, and human companionship, representing the balanced life Victor rejects.

Victor vs. Robert Walton: Both are ambitious explorers seeking 'glory,' but Walton serves as a successful version of Victor. Unlike Victor, Walton listens to the warnings of his crew and chooses to turn back, proving that ambition can be tempered by responsibility.

Analyze the Language of Obsession: When writing about Victor, look for his use of 'violent' verbs like 'penetrate,' 'torture,' and 'pursue.' These words reveal his aggressive approach to nature and his lack of empathy.

Focus on the 'Fatal Flaw': In exam responses, identify Victor's fatal flaw (hamartia) as his inability to look beyond his own ego. Even in his final speeches, he warns Walton against ambition but then encourages Walton's crew to continue their dangerous journey, showing he hasn't truly changed.

Evaluate Narrative Control: Always question why Victor tells his story the way he does. He often uses religious or natural imagery (e.g., 'the torrent which swept away my hopes') to make his actions seem like an act of God or nature rather than a personal failure.

The 'Monster' Misconception: A common error is referring to the creature as 'Frankenstein.' In a character analysis, it is vital to distinguish between Victor (the creator) and the creature (the creation), as the confusion of names often mirrors the thematic blurring of who the 'real' monster is.

Sympathy vs. Judgment: Students often feel too much sympathy for Victor because he is the narrator. It is important to remain critical of his choices, particularly his abandonment of the creature and his silence during Justine’s trial, which are moral failures.

Fate vs. Choice: Victor frequently blames 'destiny' for his downfall. A high-level analysis will argue that Victor uses the concept of fate as a psychological shield to avoid admitting that his own choices and lack of responsibility caused the tragedy.