The novel is framed as a series of letters from Robert Walton, an ambitious explorer, to his sister, Margaret. While on an expedition to the Arctic, Walton rescues Victor Frankenstein, who is weak and near death. As Walton cares for him, Victor recounts his tragic tale.

Victor, a young scientist from Geneva, becomes obsessed with unlocking the secrets of life. While studying at the University of Ingolstadt, he devotes himself to the creation of a new being, assembling it from corpses and bringing it to life through a mysterious process. However, the moment the creature awakens, Victor is horrified by its grotesque appearance and flees. Left alone, the creature wanders the world, facing rejection and violence wherever he goes.

The creature secretly observes a family in the woods and learns language, emotions, and human behavior. Longing for companionship, he reveals himself to the blind patriarch, but the family reacts in fear and drives him away. Filled with rage and sorrow, the creature seeks revenge on his creator. He murders Victor’s younger brother, William, and frames Justine, a family friend, who is unjustly executed.

Victor, devastated by grief, retreats into nature but is confronted by the creature, who demands that Victor create a female companion for him. Initially reluctant, Victor eventually agrees but destroys the unfinished creation out of fear. Enraged, the creature vows to make Victor suffer and murders his best friend, Henry Clerval, followed by his wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding night. Victor’s father dies from grief, leaving him completely alone.

Consumed by revenge, Victor chases the creature to the Arctic, determined to destroy him. However, weakened by his journey, Victor is found by Walton’s crew. Before he can complete his mission, Victor dies. Later, Walton encounters the creature mourning over his creator’s body. The creature, filled with remorse, vows to end his own life and disappears into the icy wilderness.

Frankenstein remains a timeless novel, exploring themes of ambition, isolation, and the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery. Shelley’s work continues to influence literature, film, and discussions on the responsibilities of creators and the consequences of unchecked ambition.