# Alphonse Frankenstein — Frankenstein character guide

> Alphonse Frankenstein in Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Frankenstein, Madame Frankenstein

**First appearance:** 0009-chapter-i

## Snapshot

A Genevan magistrate whose measured authority and deep family devotion cannot shield his household from the ruin his son's ambition unleashes.

## Who they are

Alphonse Frankenstein presides over a warm, orderly Genevan home, a man of public standing who has weathered grief before and believes steady affection can absorb any blow. His letters to Victor mix paternal tenderness with an old man's quiet dread, and he cannot fathom the secret consuming his son. His faith in family as a sanctuary makes the losses that follow land with terrible force, anchoring the novel's argument that private virtue is no match for unchecked creation.

## In the story

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-i)

Victor's father, depicted as a respected public figure who marries Caroline Beaufort after rescuing her from poverty.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-ii)

Victor's father, who dismissively comments on Cornelius Agrippa's works.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-iii)

Blesses Victor at his departure; grieves the loss of his wife.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-iv)

Victor recalls his father's letters expressing concern over his silence and neglect of correspondence.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-vii)

Writes a letter to Victor detailing William's murder and urging him to return home to console the family.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-viii)

Alphonse attends the trial as a witness and is part of the grieving family, his woe adding to Victor's guilt.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-ix)

Victor's father observes his son's despair and tries to console him with advice about duty and moderation, though his words fail to reach Victor.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-xviii)

Advises Victor to marry Elizabeth, hoping to dispel his melancholy.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-xix)

Alphonse is mentioned as another correspondent whose letters Victor fears to open.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-xxi)

Victor's father, who comes to Ireland to support him and arranges their return to Geneva, though Victor remains emotionally numb.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-xxii)

Alphonse tries to console Victor and encourages the marriage, believing it will bring happiness and restore the family.

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/chapter-xxiii)

Dies of grief after hearing the news of Elizabeth's murder.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/characters/alphonse_frankenstein
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/frankenstein_se/characters