Frankenstein Novel Plot Summary

Summary of Frankenstein's Plot

Victor Frankenstein's Early Life

During his childhood, Victor was a happy child who lived with his parents, his brothers, and his adopted sister, Elisabeth, whom he loved. His best friend was Henry Clerval. His great passion was the sciences and the secrets of life.

The Creation and Its Aftermath

After the death of his mother, Frankenstein went to study at the university. It is there where he creates a living being from nothing but realizes that he has created a monster. When his father explains that his younger brother has been murdered, he returns home. Near the scene of the homicide, Victor sees the figure of his creation. Justine, a maidservant of the house, is accused and condemned for the boy's death, although Victor believes that the monster is the authentic murderer.

The Creature's Narrative

Later, Victor goes to a town where he meets the monster, who tells him what happened. He also explains how he has spent his life:

• From the beginning, he hated people.
• He learned to speak by observing a family, people he wanted to be close to.
• When they discover his appearance, they also hate him.

After this contempt, he decides to go to the city of Frankenstein, where he unleashes his fury against Victor's brother.

A Demand and a Broken Promise

The monster asks Dr. Frankenstein to create another monster like him, a female. In principle, under the monster's threat, he says yes. Clerval and Victor embark on a journey to England. After living some time together, Frankenstein goes to an island where he begins creating the new monster. Before he finishes it, he changes his mind and destroys it, thus causing the monster to be angry. The monster swears revenge and vows to be by Victor's side on his wedding night.

Accidentally, Dr. Frankenstein reaches the coast where he finds Clerval dead. He is tried and found innocent. He is scared because he knows that the monster has killed Clerval.

The Final Pursuit and End

When he returns to his home, he marries Elisabeth. Shortly after, his father dies of pain caused by so many deaths. Victor starts to chase him, pursuing him up to the North Pole. There, he encounters a ship's captain, Walton. Victor recounts his history to Walton in a letter. On the day of his death, the monster appears to Victor and explains that he will commit suicide.