Although knowledge is generally considered valuable and safe in modern society, when one begins to be obsessed with acquiring knowledge, it can evolve into a dangerous and perhaps destructive. The novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is a gothic narrative that integrates the recurring theme of dangerous and destructive knowledge into the main characters of the novel. The obsession with acquiring knowledge progresses into a dangerous and in some cases destructive addiction, the brutality of the results of which depends heavily on the importance of the characters' roles in the novel. Walton (although not the novel's "main" character) performed the tango with an obsession for knowledge. He wanted to exceed expectations and reach the North Pole, however his obsession was not satisfied and Walton had to give up his attempt to reach the North Pole, escaping with minimal damage and certainly without destruction. The second character who took a risk with knowledge was the creature. The creature tried to learn to be loved, find its creator, and essentially be accepted by humans. However, his intentions quickly turned into an out-of-control addiction, and based on the creature's role in the novel, its outcome was destined to be destructive. The Creature killed many, but escaped his own tragedy. Victor is the last character who decided to dedicate his life to the acquisition of knowledge, more specifically to his studies of natural philosophy and the creation of life. Victor was so involved in his studies that he excluded himself from all human contact, even from his own family. Victor, being the protagonist of the novel, will receive the worst outcome based on the theme of severity progressing through the importance of the character in the center of the card... he is the second most significant character in the novel, based on the overall theme his obsession it should have been the second most destructive, and so it was. Victor is the protagonist of the novel, so by definition his obsession should be the most destructive of the three main characters. Victor has been obsessed with science since he was little, however he became more involved in this obsession when he was introduced to the studies of natural philosophy and the creation of life. Victor was so devoted that he even managed to create life, however his very creation was the beginning of his and his family's downfall. Clearly Victor's obsession was the most destructive of the three characters, perfectly following the progression of the theme throughout the book. Knowledge is a dangerous and destructive obsession from which the main characters of the novel Frankenstein suffer.