Robert Walton writes to his sister Margaret, describing his ambitious Arctic expedition.
Walton’s letters reveal his longing for friendship and his determination to achieve glory.
The crew encounters Victor Frankenstein, who is found near death on the ice.
Victor warns Walton about the dangers of unchecked ambition and begins to recount his story.
Chapters 1–4: Victor’s Early Life and Education
Victor Frankenstein is born in Geneva to a loving, well-respected family. He is close to his cousin Elizabeth and his friend Henry Clerval.
Victor’s early fascination with natural philosophy is sparked by reading works of alchemy, such as Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus (books about ancient attempts to turn base metals into gold and discover the elixir of life).
His father dismisses these studies, but Victor’s curiosity grows. He later learns about modern science and becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of nature.
After his mother’s death from scarlet fever, Victor leaves for the University of Ingolstadt, where he immerses himself in scientific studies and becomes determined to discover the secret of life.
Chapters 5–8: The Creation and Its Immediate Aftermath
Victor assembles and animates a human form, but is immediately horrified by the creature’s appearance and flees.
Suffering a breakdown, Victor is nursed back to health by Clerval, who has come to study at Ingolstadt.
Victor receives news that his younger brother William has been murdered. Justine, a beloved family servant, is accused and executed for the crime, though she is innocent.
Victor suspects the creature is responsible but cannot reveal the truth, fearing he will not be believed.
Chapters 9–10: Guilt, Grief, and Isolation
Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, Victor withdraws from his family and friends.
He seeks solace in the beauty of nature but remains tormented by the consequences of his actions.
Victor travels to the Alps, where he is confronted by the creature.
Chapters 11–16: The Creature’s Story
The creature recounts his awakening, confusion, and gradual learning. He observes a family of cottagers (the De Laceys) and learns language, history, and human customs by watching them and reading books.
He reads Ruins of Empires (a history of the rise and fall of civilizations), Paradise Lost (an epic poem about the fall of man and Satan’s rebellion), and The Sorrows of Werter (a novel about a sensitive young man’s unrequited love and despair).
The creature becomes painfully aware of his own isolation and deformity.
After being violently rejected by the cottagers, he turns bitter and vengeful.
He confronts Victor, describing his suffering and demanding that Victor create a female companion to end his loneliness.
Chapters 17–20: The Demand for a Companion
The creature pleads for Victor to create a female companion, promising to leave humanity alone if his request is granted.
Victor reluctantly agrees and travels to England and then Scotland to begin the work, accompanied by Clerval.
As Victor works on the new creature, he fears the consequences—such as the possibility of a race of monsters—and destroys the unfinished female.
The creature vows revenge, threatening to be with Victor on his wedding night.
Chapters 21–23: Revenge and Tragedy
The creature’s vengeance escalates: Clerval is murdered, and Victor is accused of the crime but is later cleared.
Victor returns to Geneva and marries Elizabeth, but the creature kills her on their wedding night.
Victor’s father dies from grief, leaving Victor alone and consumed by a desire for revenge.
Chapter 24: The Pursuit and Victor’s Death
Victor pursues the creature across Europe and into the Arctic, determined to destroy him.
Near death, Victor is rescued by Robert Walton’s expedition and recounts his story to Walton.
Victor warns Walton about the dangers of ambition and dies aboard the ship.
Walton’s Letters: Framing and Conclusion
Walton continues his letters to Margaret, describing Victor’s death and the effect of his story on the crew.
Walton’s ambition mirrors Victor’s, but after hearing Victor’s tale and facing the threat of mutiny, he decides to turn back rather than risk his crew’s lives.
After Victor’s death, the creature appears on the ship, mourning his creator and expressing deep regret for his actions.
The creature tells Walton of his suffering and vows to end his own life, disappearing into the Arctic darkness.
Walton reflects on the lessons of Victor’s story and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Key Themes & Reflections
The dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical responsibilities of creators.
The destructive effects of isolation and lack of compassion.
The longing for companionship and understanding, contrasted with vengeance and despair.
The influence of literature and knowledge on both Victor and the creature, as seen in the books the creature reads.
Action Items
(Walton): Reflect on Victor’s story and the consequences of ambition.
(Walton’s Crew): Consider Victor’s dying wish regarding the creature, if encountered.