CONFLICT

Protagonist

Victor Frankenstein is the creator of the "monster." Because of his thirst for knowledge, he goes too far and creates a huge monster, whom he immediately rejects. This rejection contributes to the monster's hatred for humankind.

Antagonist

The protagonist's creation turns against him. He is a creature with no name or identity. He is sensitive but highly misunderstood. His rejection by humankind leads to his violence. He is forced to hate humans and sets out to destroy his creator, Victor.

Climax

The desolation of the "monster" causes him to destroy Victor's life. He commands Victor to create another creature; this time it must be a female who will become his companion. Victor consents and nearly completes the second creature. However, overcome by disgust, he suddenly destroys this monster before bringing it to life. He is horrified at the possible union of two such monsters.

The monster's ultimate act of vengeance, the murder of Elizabeth on the Frankensteins' wedding night, is the climax of the novel. After this point, Victor vows to kill his creation.

Outcome

Victor does not succeed in killing the monster. His creation, however, succeeds in destroying almost everyone that Victor loves. Victor dies without realizing the full implications of his role as creator. The outcome is thus doubly tragic for Victor. Before departing to kill himself, the monster tells Robert Walton of his experiences. The tragedy of Frankenstein lies in the fact that the monster is driven by mankind to be evil.

The end is tinged with a sense of the supernatural: the monster is last seen alive, whereas the creator dies. One is horrified at the possibility of the monster's return.

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