Safie

Safie, unlike Elizabeth, serves as a more explicit condemnation of the patriarchal dominance common in the 19th century, and embodies the modern ideals that Shelley favours. Safie is both foreign, and a woman, yet can still manage to cement herself as a respected individual in the De Lacey household, making her a substantially powerful character. She is an outsider, yet she is accepted, unlike the Creature who is repeatedly and often even violently rejected. This contrast between Safie and the Creature thus invites discussion about society’s prejudice towards the physical appearance of others.