Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein Victor's mother. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. Caroline was very involved in charity work — much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft — especially for families in poverty.
William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. Symbolically, William’s murder is the turning point of the novel, when turmoil engulfs the Frankenstein family and all innocence is lost in the family. Also, William’s death signals for the reader the end of Victor’s belief that his actions can have no consequences.
Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. If William’s death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine’s death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous.
The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. The monster’s adopted family. Exiled from France for treason against their government.
Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville.
Margaret Saville Robert's sister. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor's story.
