When an author introduces the antagonist of a novel, they usually present him as an evil character who is labeled the villain and responsible for harm, destruction, or violence. However, in the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, a different technique is used when writing the villain. Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, who gradually becomes obsessed with the idea of creating human life. After various studies, he finally succeeds and yields a creature that he later neglects because of his hideous appearance. The biggest villain Shelley introduces is not a person alone, or even the creature Victor created, but rather a flaw that is apparent in his character throughout the novel—pride. Throughout the novel, Victor performs various …show more content…
After Victor successfully creates his creature, he immediately begins to mistreat him because of his appearance. Consequently, the creature retaliates and murders his little brother William Frankenstein. Then, the creature went on to frame Justine for the murder of William. When the court date finally arrived, Justine was found guilty and sentenced to death. During the trial, Victor says his “own agitation and anguish was extreme” and he “believed in her innocence” (Shelley 69). While Victor knows the blood of his brother is on his hands, he let his innocent friend take the fall. In fact, Victor goes on to say, “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine. [Justine] was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forgo their hold” (Shelley 70). While some argue that confessing would make Victor look like a madman and not change the situation, even if he was accused, Justine would not have been convicted because he would then be the suspect. Typically, family would go to any length to protect each other, but not Victor. His selfish and prideful nature is shown by not taking up for Justine and withholding the truth from the people. Additionally, he believes that Justine’s death was a less harsh punishment than his