The Monster, often referred to as Frankenstein's Creature, is the last character to die in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Although his death is not explicitly witnessed by the reader, the narrative concludes with his stated intention to commit suicide after the death of his creator, Victor Frankenstein.
The Final Moments
At the novel's conclusion, Victor Frankenstein succumbs to exhaustion and illness aboard Captain Robert Walton's ship, dying with a final wish to destroy the Creature he created. Shortly after Victor's death, the Monster appears in the cabin, expressing profound grief and remorse over the suffering he has caused, particularly the deaths of Victor's loved ones.
During his confession to Walton, the Monster reveals his deep regret for his actions and states his clear intention to end his own life. He tells Walton that he will travel to the "most northern extremity of the globe" to self-immolate on a funeral pyre, ensuring his complete destruction and the end of his tormented existence. This declaration marks the final departure of the Monster from the narrative, signifying that his death will follow Victor's.
Sequence of Key Deaths
To understand the order of demise among the central figures, consider the following sequence of major character deaths within the novel:
| Character | Manner of Death / Fate |
|---|---|
| William Frankenstein | Murdered by the Monster |
| Justine Moritz | Executed after being framed by the Monster |
| Henry Clerval | Murdered by the Monster |
| Elizabeth Lavenza | Murdered by the Monster on her wedding night |
| Alphonse Frankenstein | Dies of grief following Elizabeth's murder |
| Victor Frankenstein | Dies of exhaustion and illness on Walton's ship |
| The Monster | Intends to commit suicide after Victor's death, ensuring he is the last to perish. |
This timeline clearly positions the Monster's demise as the ultimate one in the tragic saga, bringing a final, albeit dark, resolution to the intertwined lives of creator and creation.
