William Frankenstein is the youngest brother of Victor Frankenstein and a beloved member of the Frankenstein family. He is characterized by his childlike innocence, jovial nature, and cherubic features, making him the embodiment of purity and naivety in the novel
. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , William is tragically killed by the Creature (the Monster) that Victor Frankenstein created. The Monster initially approaches William with the hope of friendship, believing the boy is too young to harbor prejudice. However, when William screams in fear and calls the Monster an "ugly wretch," the Monster becomes enraged upon learning William is Victor's brother and strangles him to death as an act of revenge against Victor for abandoning him
. William's death marks a critical turning point in the novel. It symbolizes the loss of innocence for Victor and sets off a chain of tragic events, including the wrongful accusation and execution of Justine Moritz, a family servant. The murder also deepens Victor's guilt and highlights the consequences of his irresponsible scientific pursuits
. In summary, William Frankenstein is Victor's youngest brother, whose murder by the Monster serves as a pivotal moment in the story, illustrating themes of innocence lost, revenge, and the repercussions of playing God
