More accurately called Frankenstein's Monster, as Frankenstein was actually the scientist that created the monster. Although he is one of literature's most enduring monsters, Frankenstein's monster was not his original name.

In Mary Shelley's 1818 horror story, Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, Frankenstein was a Swiss student who discovered a way to create a living man. His "monster" was actually timid and gentle, only turning to murder when people, repulsed by its ugly appearance, attacked it.

One of history's most successful thrillers, Frankenstein was written because of a contest between Mary Shelley; her husband, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley; and their friend, writer Lord George Byron, to see who could create the best ghost story.

(Interesting Fact: Mary Shelley wrote this horror story during the year of darkness in 1818 after a volcano that had erupted had blocked out the light form the sun. people burned buildings because they were desparate for light.)