Chapter I

Victor Frankenstein introduces himself as a Genevese from a distinguished family. His father, Alphonse Frankenstein, is respected for public service but marries late. To illustrate Alphonse’s character, Victor tells of Beaufort, a proud merchant ruined by misfortune who hides in poverty with his daughter Caroline.

After a long search, Alphonse finds Beaufort in misery; Beaufort’s health fails and he dies despite Caroline’s tireless care and scant earnings. Alphonse becomes Caroline’s protector, bringing her to Geneva, and two years later marries her, motivated by gratitude and reverence for her virtues.

Alphonse devotes himself to Caroline’s well-being, resigns public duties, and the couple travel through Italy, Germany, and France. Victor, their first child, is born in Naples and grows up as the focus of their loving, morally guided upbringing.

While visiting Lake Como, Caroline’s charitable impulse leads her to a destitute cottage. Among the peasant family’s children, one fair, gentle girl stands out: Elizabeth Lavenza, the orphaned daughter of a Milanese nobleman and a German mother, abandoned to poverty after her father’s downfall.

With Alphonse’s consent and the priest’s guidance, Caroline adopts Elizabeth. Brought into the Frankenstein home as “my more than sister,” Elizabeth becomes universally beloved. Victor, who was told she was a “present” for him, vows to protect and cherish her, cementing a formative bond that will define his affections.