STUDY AIDS : CHARACTERS

Waldman

Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt, with a specialty in chemistry, and instructor of Victor Frankenstein.

Unlike Krempe, whom Frankenstein finds intellectually and physically repulsive, Waldman proves a kind and understanding teacher. Frankenstein describes him:

This professor was very unlike his colleague. He appeared about fifty years of age, but with an aspect expressive of the greatest benevolence; a few grey hairs covered his temples, but those at the back of his head were nearly black. His person was short, but remarkably erect; and his voice the sweetest I had ever heard. (I:2:25)

His lecture on the history of chemistry shows more sympathy for the alchemists who had excited Frankenstein's imagination, and from that time on, Frankenstein looks to him as a mentor and a "true friend" (I:3:1). It is Waldman who interests Frankenstein in modern chemistry (I:2:27).