Gris Grimly's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

45 pages 1-hour read

Mary Shelley

Gris Grimly's Frankenstein

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 2007

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Victor is a brilliant, brooding young man from a prominent family in Geneva, Switzerland. Driven by a deep desire to eradicate disease and conquer death, he immerses himself in the study of alchemy and natural philosophy. His intensive research isolates him from his loved ones and leads him to experiment with reanimating dead tissue. He struggles with the weight of his ambitious scientific pursuits and his obligations to his family.

Key Relationships

Secret creator of Frankenstein's Monster

Cousin and romantic partner of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Son of Alphonse Frankenstein

Lifelong friend of Henry Clerval

Older brother of William

Rescued guest of Captain Robert Walton

Student of M. Waldman

The unnamed creation of Victor Frankenstein stands twice the height of an average human, with yellow skin, flowing black hair, and exposed muscles. Despite his terrifying appearance, he enters the world with the innocence and curiosity of a child. He desires love, companionship, and understanding from humanity but faces immediate fear and rejection based solely on his physical form.

Key Relationships

Encounters in the woods William

Observes while she sleeps Justine

Elizabeth is Victor's cousin and his family's chosen future spouse for him. She is a compassionate and gentle presence in the Frankenstein household, recognized by her black hair with white streaks and green eyeshadow. She constantly worries about Victor's health and emotional state while he is away studying, doing her best to maintain a connection despite his increasing isolation.

Key Relationships

Cousin and romantic partner of Victor Frankenstein

Adopted daughter of Alphonse Frankenstein

Friend and defender of Justine

Adopted sister of William

Supporting Characters

Robert is an ambitious sea captain and explorer determined to chart unexplored territories and discover the secrets of magnetism in the Arctic. He willingly risks his own life and the lives of his crew to secure a lasting reputation in the scientific community. Despite his intense focus on his mission, he deeply feels the lack of a true friend and intellectual equal on his journey.

Key Relationships

Brother of Margaret

Rescuer and confidant of Victor Frankenstein

Alphonse is the patriarchal head of the Frankenstein family in Geneva. He is a fiercely loyal parent who steps up as the sole caregiver after his wife dies of scarlet fever. He actively encourages his children to overcome their grief and find enjoyment in life, serving as an ever-present source of wisdom and stability for Victor.

Key Relationships

Adoptive father of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Father of William

Henry is Victor's lifelong best friend and frequent traveling companion. He possesses an enthusiastic imagination, a wide grin, and a profound lust for life that contrasts sharply with Victor's brooding nature. He acts as a dedicated caretaker when Victor falls ill, constantly trying to lift his spirits and reconnect him with the simple joys of the natural world.

Key Relationships

Lifelong friend of Victor Frankenstein

Corresponds regarding Victor with Elizabeth Frankenstein

Margaret is Captain Robert Walton's sister, living safely in England while her brother explores the dangerous Arctic. She serves as his primary connection to home and the intended audience for his accounts of the voyage and his encounter with the mysterious stranger on the ice.

Key Relationships

William is Victor's youngest brother, a beloved and innocent member of the Frankenstein family. He wears an expensive trinket around his neck and is closely cared for by Justine. His presence brings joy to the household until a sudden and tragic event disrupts the family's peace.

Key Relationships

Younger brother of Victor Frankenstein

Son of Alphonse Frankenstein

Adopted brother of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Ward of Justine

Justine is a young woman taken in by the Frankenstein extended family after a period of hardship. She works closely with the household, particularly taking responsibility for the youngest child, William. She is known for her moral character and gentle nature, making her a trusted and integrated member of the family's daily life.

Key Relationships

Friend and adopted cousin of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Caretaker of William

M. Waldman is a chemistry professor who recognizes Victor's potential and takes him on as a pupil. He grants Victor access to his laboratory, effectively providing the tools and knowledge necessary for Victor to transition from studying ancient alchemy to pursuing advanced physiological experiments.

Key Relationships

Professor and mentor of Victor Frankenstein

Mr. Kirwin is a local official in Ireland who manages legal proceedings when a stranger washes ashore. He oversees the questioning of witnesses and attempts to determine the facts surrounding a mysterious local incident, demonstrating a rigid adherence to the law and a suspicion of outsiders.

Key Relationships

Magistrate questioning Victor Frankenstein