Minor Characters Minor characters are very important in a book.
Henry, Elizabeth, and Justine are three characters in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein who contribute a lot to the novel. They contribute to the plot, and especially on highlighting Victor’s character. Victor is the main character in this book, and without the help of Henry, Elizabeth, and Justine, Victor wouldn’t have gone through the same experiences or the same emotions. Henry Clerval grew up with Victor in Geneva, so they both care and have a lot of respect for each other.Henry would be willing to do anything to help out his friend.
Even just the sight of Henry makes Victor feel better. “I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune… and we walked toward my college. ” (37). Henry’s character is so balanced that it makes Victor seem that much crazier. Henry’s sweet, and he would give up anything to help Victor, “When I was otherwise quite restored to health… when I visited the professors.
” (43). Henry has done much more than just been sweet. Henry contributes to the plot by thickening the plot and moving the story along. ‘Dearest Clerval,’ exclaimed I, ‘how kind… but you will forgive me.
’“ (39). If Henry didn’t nurse Victor back to health, who knows what would have happened to him. Henry Clerval is truly a good guy. Elizabeth Lavenza was adopted into the Frankenstein family. Although she was adopted, they treated her as one of the family.
Elizabeth was different. She got amusement and motivation from the beauty of nature, from a different point of view then Victor. “Harmony was the soul of our companionship… for admiration and delight. ” (18).Elizabeth found the beauty in everything, and saw the good in everyone. “While my companion contemplated with a serious and satisfied spirit the magnificent appearances of things…” (18).
That’s how she helps highlight Victor’s character. He wasn’t loving and caring and compassionate. Only towards her. So put them side by side, and he seems like the mad one. She also brings out his possessive qualities.
“No word, no expression… she was to be mine only. ” (18). Elizabeth helps move the story along by sometimes making Victor do things he didn’t want to do. ’Yes,’ said Elizabeth, ‘I will go… yet I could not refuse. ” (58). Elizabeth had such a strong hold on Victor, and he loved her so much, when her death came, it took him to the point of trying to kill his own creation.
Elizabeth brings out a different side of Victor and that’s how she contributes to the book. Although Justine has ceased to exist, she still contributes to the plot. When asked, Victor changes his mind about making the monster a companion because of the incidents in the past. “Shall I create another like yourself… but I will never consent. ” (104).Justine Moritz was a good person.
Everyone loved and respected her, especially Elizabeth. “’I am,’ said she, ‘the cousin of the unhappy child who was murdered… esteem and value her. ’” (56). For these reasons it is obvious that Henry, Elizabeth and Justine all contribute to emphasizing Victor’s character and contributes to the plot. Although it might not seem like it, minor characters play a big role in novels, whether it’s by highlighting the main characters personality traits, or by moving the plot along.
Furthermore, these characters make a great contribution in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
