True Friends are Too Honest

(Frankenstein, Mary Shelley)

"Compose yourself," said Clerval, who observed my change of colour. "I will not mention it if it agitates you; but you father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting..." (61)

Literary Term: Foil Character

Henry is a clear foil of Victor. While both have a love of education, Henry is the student that Victor was expected to be when Victor's family sent him to school. He is faithful to his studies and learning. But Henry not only pursues an education, he makes sure to maintain other relationships, even those of Victor. This difference of value of relationships define Henry and Victor's differences. Henry writes to Victor's family as well as cares for Victor when he grows ill from his self-imposed sickness. The character of Henry is used to further display the isolation and ruin that Victor becomes. Victor appears as a selfish and crazed student through the calm and nursing hand of Henry. The character of Victor is also shown through his identical character: Robert Walton, who is also a crazy thinker striving to discover science. The characters of Henry and Robert simply reassure the character of Victor: a brillant thinker lost in his studies who rejects relationships, personal need, and failure.