Victor Frankenstein

Victor can be described as a Promethean rebel (an idea that is explored further in the Intertextuality section on the Modern Prometheus on page 36). There is no clear distinction between whether or not Victor is the protagonist or antagonist of the text, because whilst the audience is led to initially sympathise with him, as we begin to learn the plight of the Creature, our perception of his character tends to become more critical. Essentially, however, Victor is used as a materialisation of the traits that Shelley disapproves of amongst humankind. Epitomising Victor’s narcissism, the Creature that Victor conceives of can be seen to be an external reflection of Victor’s inner self, leading readers to infer that whilst ostensibly Victor appears to be an intelligent, strong individual, he possesses an internal monstrosity. In coming face to face with the Creature, Victor in many ways is forced to reconcile with his own monstrosity, and it is this turmoil that leads him to abandon his creation.