Penny Dreadful Wiki
Advertisement

What a simple thing it is, to snap your neck. You are so fragile, you mortals. Such things of skin and air. Such things of the past. The future belongs to the strong, to the immortal races. To me, and my kind. Look upon your master.
— The Creature to Victor[src]


The Creature (otherwise known under various names) is a man who has been brought back from death, reanimated by the medical craft of Victor Frankenstein. The only thing that is his own is his soul, but even he questions whether he really has one. He is Victor's first creation, his "first born". After experiencing the cruelty and mercy of man the Creature only wants one thing in this world, love. Someone like him that he can share his life with and finally find happiness that he so desperately longs for.

Appearance and Personality[]

The Creature is distinctly male, and covered in surgical scars from where his body parts were stitched together. His physical description rejects the popular Hollywood portrayal of a flat-headed, zombie-like figure with bolts in its neck, and instead is strikingly faithful to the description the creature had in the original Mary Shelley novel. Like his counterpart from the novel, he has beautiful black shoulder length hair, horrific yellow eyes, black lips, and is blessed with superior speed, durability, and strength to that of mortal humans. However, he does retain facial scarring, similarly to the Hollywood portrayal. Despite his appearance, destructive capabilities, and amazing athletic prowess, it is clear his intelligence is perfectly developed as well. To his detriment, he also shares the same emotional needs as humans and is painfully aware of his artificial nature and monstrous appearance. It is clear that the Creature is desperately lonely, as a result of both the circumstances of his creation and the fact that he is the only one of his species. This leads him to act in a cold, ruthless manner, particularly towards his creator, whom he hates for abandoning him following his creation. His determination not to be alone results in him threatening Victor Frankenstein with the death of all he loves unless he creates for him an immortal bride. When the Creature grows impatient with Victor's progress, he murders the respected Professor Van Helsing in order to remind Victor of what awaits him if he does not obey.

The Creature nonetheless possesses a deeply compassionate side, and generally does not wish to harm others, despite their revulsion of him. He is shown several small acts of kindness by Maud Gunneson, an actress at the Grand Guignol Theatre, but he tragically mistakes her attitude for one of romantic interest, and is almost driven to attack her in grief and anger when she later rejects him. This results in the Creature being dismissed from his job at the theatre - though Vincent expresses regret at doing so - and in his heartbroken state he is willing to let Victor shoot him. Victor's pity is stirred by the sight of his creation reduced to such remorseful suffering, however, and afterwards he begins using the body of the deceased Brona Croft to craft a mate for the Creature.

History[]

The Creature was created in the former lab of Victor Frankenstein, he was born covered in blood and went hysterical most likely from pain. Victor soon abandoned the Creature due to being frightened by his creation, leaving him all alone. When he finally leaves the place of his creation, he learns of both the cruelty and mercy of men in a single night, during which he was beaten unmercifully by a mob then given food and a home by Vincent Brand, an aged actor. He is given a job as a stage hand at the Grand Guignol Theatre, where he learns of performance arts and an exceptionally well-rounded vocabulary. It is here that he is given the name Caliban, after the sub-human son of the malevolent witch Sycorax, and primary antagonist in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".

Powers and Abilities[]

  • Enhanced Strength: The Creature possesses incredible strength, as he proves by ripping his brother Proteus in two with his bare hands.
  • Enhanced Stamina: The Creature possesses an incredible stamina, and according to himself doesn't tire.
  • Immortality: The Creature apparently will live forever, according to his description of himself he is immortal. However, it appears he can die from physical wounds as Frankenstein tried to shoot him in the back of the head, which he accepted would bring death.

Appearances[]

Season 1
Season 2
Season 3

Memorable Quotes[]

The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): Your first born has returned… father.

-Séance


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): I learned to stay in the shadows to protect such a heart as this you gave me.

- Resurrection


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): I learned to stay in the shadows. To protect such a heart as this you gave me.

-Resurrection


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): You have not known Horror until I show it to you.

-Resurrection


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): Do not weep. I've learned that skill. It brings no solace.

-What Death Can Join Together


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): The monster is not in my face, But in my soul.

-Grand Guignol


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): I would rather be the corpse I was than the man I am.

-Grand Guignol


The Creature (to Victor Frankenstein): We are bound on a wheel of pain, thee and me. I ask you- what is Doctor Frankenstein without his creature?

-Verbis Diablo

Trivia[]

  • The Creature named himself John Clare in reference to an English poet, John Clare.

Gallery[]

Videos[]

Advertisement