Activity Overview
Frankenstein is full of important literary elements for students to explore. One of these elements is the tragic hero, a protagonist who seems to be ill-fated, and destined for doom. In this novel, Frankenstein and his monster both fit this archetype.
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. In the storyboard example, the creator has focused on Victor Frankenstein as a tragic hero. The finished product outlines each of Aristotle's principles with a detailed explanation of the specific attributes and how they apply to Dr. Frankenstein. Students could choose to examine Frankenstein’s monster instead, or compare the two side by side in a grid layout
Example Tragic Hero Activity for Victor Frankenstein
| ATTRIBUTE | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE FROM TEXT |
|---|---|---|
| Hamartia | Flaw that Causes the Hero's Downfall | Frankenstein’s blind ambition leads him to investigate science that is best left alone. |
| Hubris | Excessive Pride | Victor believes he can conquer death with science, recklessly playing “God” and ignoring the natural order. |
| Peripeteia | Reversal of Fortune | Victor thinks the monster is gone but returns home to find his brother, William, killed and the creature lurking. |
| Anagnorisis | Hero Makes a Critical Discovery | Victor realizes his monster killed his new bride, Elizabeth, and this is what was meant by, “I shall be with you on your wedding-night.” |
| Nemesis | Unavoidable Fate | Once Victor brought the monster to life, his fate was inextricably intertwined with it, to the ends of the earth, and the ends of their lives. |
| Catharsis | Pity or Fear the Audience Feels After Hero's Fall | In the end, the reader is left feeling pity for Victor, and fear that they too could suffer the consequences of hubris. Captain Walton, a surrogate for the reader, heeds the lesson and sails for home. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how either Victor Frankenstein or his monster can be considered a tragic hero.
- Identify events of the novel or characteristics of Frankenstein/the monster that fit into Aristotelian attributes of a tragic hero.
- Illustrate examples for Hamartia, Hubris, Peripeteia, Anagnorisis, Nemesis, and Catharsis.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Frankenstein/the monster as a tragic hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tragic Hero Characteristics | The six tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The explanation provided explains how the scenes depict each characteristic, and shows effective analysis. | Four or five tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or some of the elements may not be identified correctly. The explanations give context to the scene, but may be minimal, and there is some attempt at analysis. | Two or three tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are too minimal. | One or fewer tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are minimal or missing altogether. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
Frankenstein is full of important literary elements for students to explore. One of these elements is the tragic hero, a protagonist who seems to be ill-fated, and destined for doom. In this novel, Frankenstein and his monster both fit this archetype.
The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, first articulated the specific attributes or principles of a tragic hero. In the storyboard example, the creator has focused on Victor Frankenstein as a tragic hero. The finished product outlines each of Aristotle's principles with a detailed explanation of the specific attributes and how they apply to Dr. Frankenstein. Students could choose to examine Frankenstein’s monster instead, or compare the two side by side in a grid layout
Example Tragic Hero Activity for Victor Frankenstein
| ATTRIBUTE | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE FROM TEXT |
|---|---|---|
| Hamartia | Flaw that Causes the Hero's Downfall | Frankenstein’s blind ambition leads him to investigate science that is best left alone. |
| Hubris | Excessive Pride | Victor believes he can conquer death with science, recklessly playing “God” and ignoring the natural order. |
| Peripeteia | Reversal of Fortune | Victor thinks the monster is gone but returns home to find his brother, William, killed and the creature lurking. |
| Anagnorisis | Hero Makes a Critical Discovery | Victor realizes his monster killed his new bride, Elizabeth, and this is what was meant by, “I shall be with you on your wedding-night.” |
| Nemesis | Unavoidable Fate | Once Victor brought the monster to life, his fate was inextricably intertwined with it, to the ends of the earth, and the ends of their lives. |
| Catharsis | Pity or Fear the Audience Feels After Hero's Fall | In the end, the reader is left feeling pity for Victor, and fear that they too could suffer the consequences of hubris. Captain Walton, a surrogate for the reader, heeds the lesson and sails for home. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how either Victor Frankenstein or his monster can be considered a tragic hero.
- Identify events of the novel or characteristics of Frankenstein/the monster that fit into Aristotelian attributes of a tragic hero.
- Illustrate examples for Hamartia, Hubris, Peripeteia, Anagnorisis, Nemesis, and Catharsis.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Frankenstein/the monster as a tragic hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tragic Hero Characteristics | The six tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The explanation provided explains how the scenes depict each characteristic, and shows effective analysis. | Four or five tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or some of the elements may not be identified correctly. The explanations give context to the scene, but may be minimal, and there is some attempt at analysis. | Two or three tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are too minimal. | One or fewer tragic hero characteristics are correctly identified and portrayed from the story, or most of the elements are inaccurately depicted. The quotes and/or explanations are minimal or missing altogether. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are accurate to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion. | The art chosen to depict the scenes is too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Victor Frankenstein as a Tragic Hero
Plan a collaborative tragic hero debate for your class
Engage students by assigning groups to argue whether Victor Frankenstein or his monster better fits the tragic hero archetype. Debates build critical thinking and speaking skills while deepening literary analysis.
Assign roles and set debate guidelines
Divide students into teams and assign each group a character to defend. Establish clear debate rules so everyone participates and stays respectful during discussion.
Guide students to gather textual evidence
Encourage students to find specific quotes and scenes supporting their arguments. Using evidence strengthens their points and ensures arguments are grounded in the text.
Facilitate the debate and encourage rebuttals
Moderate the debate by prompting students to respond to opposing viewpoints. Rebuttals help deepen understanding of character motivations and tragic hero traits.
Conclude with reflection and a class vote
Invite students to reflect on what they learned and hold a class vote on who is the stronger tragic hero. This step reinforces learning outcomes and gives students ownership of their analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Victor Frankenstein as a Tragic Hero
What makes Victor Frankenstein a tragic hero in literature?
Victor Frankenstein is considered a tragic hero because he possesses noble qualities but is doomed by a tragic flaw—his reckless ambition and hubris. This flaw leads to his downfall, causing suffering both for himself and those around him, fitting the Aristotelian model of tragedy.
How can students create a storyboard about Victor Frankenstein as a tragic hero?
Students can create a storyboard by identifying key events or traits from the novel that match Aristotle's tragic hero attributes (Hamartia, Hubris, Peripeteia, Anagnorisis, Nemesis, Catharsis). Each cell should illustrate one attribute and include a brief description connecting it to Victor Frankenstein.
What are Aristotle’s six attributes of a tragic hero, and how do they apply to Victor Frankenstein?
Aristotle’s six attributes are Hamartia (tragic flaw), Hubris (excessive pride), Peripeteia (reversal of fortune), Anagnorisis (critical discovery), Nemesis (inevitable fate), and Catharsis (audience’s emotional response). Each can be seen in Victor’s journey, such as his ambition (Hamartia) and the consequences that follow (Nemesis).
What is an example of hubris in Victor Frankenstein’s character?
Victor’s hubris is shown when he believes he can conquer death using science, ignoring ethical boundaries and the natural order. This excessive pride ultimately leads to tragic outcomes for himself and others.
Can Frankenstein’s monster also be considered a tragic hero?
Yes, Frankenstein’s monster can also be viewed as a tragic hero. Like Victor, the creature possesses noble traits but is doomed by circumstances and society’s rejection, leading to suffering and tragedy, making him a compelling parallel for classroom comparison.
More Storyboard That Activities
Frankenstein
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
