Frankenstein is a fictional character created by Mary Shelley. He is the titular protagonist of her 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. In the novel, he is a scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Frankenstein has been adapted into countless films and stage plays, as well as television shows and video games. The character has become an icon in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations that have shaped our understanding of what it means to be “fearful” or “monstrous.”
The novel has been interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of science and technology. Some scholars have read it as an allegory for the French Revolution. It has been praised for its exploration of themes of birth, life, and death. It has also been criticized for its depiction of violence and its lack of female characters.
Frankenstein is considered to be one of the most influential works of horror fiction ever written—and it all started with one little monster!