The creature is the animated being who awakens and contemplates its existence.

Elizabeth appears in Victor’s hallucination after the creature’s animation. Adopted sister of Victor, described as a golden‑haired orphan from Italy. Elizabeth is depicted as calm, cultured, and a soothing influence on Victor's temperament. Elizabeth contracts scarlet fever, recovers, and comforts Victor after their mother’s death.

Victor is the ambitious scientist who creates the creature. Victor describes his early life, education, and shifting scientific interests. Victor loses his mother, departs for Ingolstadt, and is influenced by professors Krempe and Waldman.

Caroline's father, a proud merchant who fell into poverty and died.

Victor's mother, orphaned after her father's death, rescued by Victor's father and later married him. Caroline Beaufort dies of fever after caring for Elizabeth.

Introduced Henry Clerval, a Geneva merchant's son, talented, fond of adventure, chivalric romance, and heroic storytelling. Clerval attempts unsuccessfully to accompany Victor to Ingolstadt and shows resolve to pursue education.

Professor Krempe of natural philosophy rebukes Victor's alchemical studies and assigns a modern reading list.

Professor Waldman of chemistry praises modern science, encourages Victor, and offers laboratory access.