STUDY AIDS : CHARACTERS

Alphonse Frankenstein

Father of Victor, Ernest, and William Frankenstein; husband of Caroline; uncle and adoptive father of Elizabeth.

Alphonse Frankenstein is a syndic (magistrate) of Geneva and comes from a long line of syndics. Victor describes his character and his devotion to public duty:

My father had filled several public situations with honour and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business. He passed his younger days perpetually occupied by the affairs of his country; and it was not until the decline of life that he thought of marrying, and bestowing on the state sons who might carry his virtues and his name down to posterity. (I:1:1)

The emphasis on duty is clear in all of his dealings with his son.

Alphonse dies of an apoplectic fit after hearing of the death of Elizabeth.