Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein is the protagonist of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. An Italian-born Swiss scientist, he studies chemical processes and the decay of living things at university before discovering how to create life. After successfully bringing his creature into existence, he comes to regret his interference with nature, as the monster seeks revenge and endangers the lives of Victor, his family, and his friends.

The narrative introduces Victor while he is pursuing his creation near the North Pole. During this pursuit, he is saved from a potentially fatal situation by Robert Walton and his crew. Although often referred to in popular culture as Dr. Frankenstein, he remains the central figure whose actions drive the tragic events of the story.