The Trial of Victor Frankenstein

Victor Frankenstein’s pursuit of dangerous knowledge results in the creation of a monster he immediately disregards and
for which he takes no responsibility. As a consequence of this dangerous and selfish act, many characters in the novel
perish.

And this brings us to an important question…

Should Frankenstein be held accountable for the murders his

creation commits?

THE SCENARIO

To help us answer this question, Victor Frankenstein will be tried for the murders committed in the novel. Witnesses from
the story will be called to the stand to testify, defense and prosecuting attorneys will question, and ultimately, a jury will
determine the fate of our dear Victor.

ALLEGATIONS

Murder (Vicarious Liability) - The intentional or negligent killing of another human.

It is alleged that Victor Frankenstein acted negligently, with gross disregard for consequences, and is vicariously
liable for the deaths of the following persons:
 William Frankenstein – a minor
 Justine Moritz – an employee of the Frankenstein Household
 Henry Clerval – a friend and acquaintance
 Elizabeth Lavenza-Frankenstein – Defendant’s Spouse

ROLES

Witnesses
Attorneys
 M. Krempe
 M. Waldman  Prosecuting (3)
 Alphonse Frankenstein  Defense (3)
 William Frankenstein
 Justine Moritz Courtroom Artists
 Henry Clerval
 Prosecuting (1)
 Elizabeth
 Defense (1)
 Robert Walton
 The Creation
Jury (remainder of class)
 Victor Frankenstein (defendant)

ASSIGNMENT

WITNESSES
 Pre-trial: To be completed and stamped before the trial begins
1. Write a half-page statement about your character answering the following question: How does
Shelly utilize the character you’ve been assigned to advance the meaning of the work. Make sure you
indicate what that meaning of the work is.
2. Be very aware of your character’s actions, attitudes, and words in the novel. Know the character well
enough to answer questions accurately when you are on the witness stand. Answers need to reflect
factual truths in the novel.

 Post-trial: To be completed in class after conclusion of trial

 1. Based on the evidence of testimonies during the trial and of who this person was, do you think s/he
would blame the monster or Frankenstein for her/his murder? Why or why not? Use textual
evidence/trial testimony to back up your claim. If your character was not murdered, decide who he would
blame for the murders of the other characters. Defend your answer with evidence from the text.

ATTORNEYS
 Pre-trial: To be completed and stamped before the trial begins
1. Each attorney will write a half-page opening statement. Your opening statement should encapsulate
your main argument against or defending V. Frankenstein. This is going to be in a speech format.
‘Twould serve you well to incorporate the three rhetorical arguments of logos, pathos and ethos.
2. Each attorney will write three questions for three different witnesses. Split up the witnesses between
attorneys so as to avoid repetition. Be cognizant of the answers you will receive and purposeful with
the direction your questions will take your case.
3. Write a half-page closing argument—attorneys will determine which of the three closing arguments
for their side will be read aloud to conclude their case. Be sure to include evidence from the text.

 Post-trial: To be completed in class after conclusion of trial

1. Write a half page self-evaluation of how the experience went as a lawyer. Include what you could have done
to have been more successful, if you are satisfied with the outcome, and what you gained from the
experience.

COURTROOM ARTISTS
 Pre-trial: To be completed and stamped before the trial begins
1. One artist will be assigned to the defense and one will be assigned to the prosecution. You will
provide at least one sketch/drawing to be used as “evidence” for your side, but more items/drawings
are encouraged. This artwork needs to be of a standard or quality beyond that of simple stick figures.
Be creative. Provide more than one piece of evidence if you’d like. Crime scene photograph?
Physical evidence? Make sure whatever you decide upon coincides and agrees with evidence from
the book.

 Post-trial: To be completed in class after conclusion of trial

1. Based on the evidence of testimonies during the trial, do you think V. Frankenstein is responsible for
the deaths? Why or why not? Use textual evidence/trial testimony to back up your claim.

JURY
 Pre-trial: To be completed and stamped before the trial begins
1. Write a half page statement addressing the following question: Based on evidence within the text,
who do you think Mary Shelly felt was more responsible for the murders—the creation or Victor?
2. Go into the trial with a clear mind. Listen intently to the testimonies and base your decision to
convict or acquit Frankenstein based off of the performances of the participants in the trial.

 Post-trial: To be completed in class after conclusion of trial

1. Write a half-page verdict using evidence from the text and citing examples from the trial to support
your position. **The jury must come to a consensus or Frankenstein will be acquitted!

**Keep in mind that you are expected to suspend disbelief for the purposes of this activity, as most
of the participants in the trial—including the defendant—are deceased by the end of the novel.**