Literature is full of heroes and villains. Sometimes the main character of a play or story will display traits of both. The tragic hero in literature is defined as “a literary character who makes an error of judgment or has a fatal flaw which, combined with fate and external forces, results in a tragedy” (tragic hero). William McCollom confirms this definition and adds that a tragic hero is a superhuman who suffers greatly because of his defect (52). Furthermore, his bad behavior is believable because it is not all good or all bad. Finally, the hero learns from his mistakes (McCollom 53). Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is an example of these classic literary works. Certainly his gothic demon in “Frankenstein” is a monster by anyone's definition: eight feet tall, black lips, yellow skin and a killer of innocent people. However, taking the opposite view, Shelley develops Frankenstein's creature to display characteristics that align him with a tragic hero. First, the reader will discover in the novel that the creature only wants to benefit society and be accepted by its creator, Victor Frankenstein. The demon explains in the story that he was only trying to reach out and establish a connection with Victor in his laboratory in Ingolstadt. But he leaves home rejected and lives in the forest. Confusion and desperation are his only companions as he learns to understand his body and its signals in these early days. Later, the creature convinces Victor to listen to his story by reminding him that while he was vulnerable and ill-equipped to face life, Frankenstein abandoned him. The demon then reveals all his good deeds and how much he craves acceptance from society. He says: “believe me, Franke... middle of paper...... (Foster). In conclusion, Mary Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein" has in fact given her monster some characteristics that make him a tragic hero. At the beginning of the story he just wants to be accepted and loved by humanity. Contributes to society and tries to make life better for individuals. The creature suffers anguish and difficulty during its life. However, these good deeds and his desperation ultimately do not outweigh his miserable decision to commit murder. Although he blames Victor and humanity for leaving him no choice, the creature ultimately laments his decisions, his evil actions, and Victor's death. He learned from his misdeeds. The demon leaves Walton's ship vowing to commit suicide because he no longer wants to live under torture. This last statement from the creature is exactly what one would expect from a classic tragic hero.