Young Frankenstein - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is to distance himself from his family name and be respected as a serious man of science. This later shifts to an obsessive desire to prove that his grandfather's theories were correct and that re-animation is possible. Finally, his motivation becomes the protection and betterment of his creation.

Frederick begins as a man of logic, ashamed of his family's legacy and desperately trying to forge his own respectable identity. Upon arriving in Transylvania, his scientific curiosity is piqued, leading him down his grandfather's path. His arc is a journey from denial to acceptance. Initially terrified of his creation, he develops empathy and a sense of responsibility, ultimately embracing his name and heritage to save the Monster and the town. He transforms from a repressed scientist into a passionate, "mad" genius who integrates his intellect with his heart.

The Monster's initial motivation is simple survival and escape from frightening stimuli like fire. He seeks connection, as seen in his encounters with the little girl and the blind hermit, but his appearance and lack of communication skills cause terror. His ultimate motivation, after the transference, is to be loved and accepted.

The Monster begins as a violent, grunting creature, a result of the "abnormal" brain. He is driven by instinct and fear, lashing out at a world he doesn't understand. Through Frederick's patient teachings and kindness, the Monster begins to develop. His arc is a transformation from a frightening beast into a gentle and sophisticated being. This is symbolized by the famous "Puttin' on the Ritz" performance. In the end, after a brain transference, he becomes a highly intelligent and articulate individual capable of love.

Igor's primary motivation is to see the Frankenstein family business revived. He takes great pride in his lineage of serving Frankensteins and enthusiastically encourages Frederick to embrace his destiny. He is a loyal and (mostly) helpful assistant, driven by a love for the macabre and chaotic work of his master.

Igor does not have a significant character arc; he remains a constant source of comedic chaos and loyal support throughout the film. He is overjoyed at the prospect of Frederick continuing his grandfather's work and eagerly serves his new master. His pronouncements of his name ("Eye-gore") and his ever-shifting hump define his role as a meta-comedic character who exists to subvert expectations and deliver punchlines.

Elizabeth's initial motivation is maintaining her social standing and her carefully constructed, passionless relationship with Frederick. After her encounter with the Monster, her motivation shifts entirely to fulfilling her newfound desires, leading her to enthusiastically embrace her role as the Monster's partner.

Elizabeth starts as Frederick's cold, narcissistic, and comically chaste fiancée, whose affections are strictly hands-off. Her arc is one of surprising sexual awakening. When she is kidnapped by the Monster, she is initially terrified, but discovers he possesses qualities (and physical attributes) she has been missing. She transforms from a repressed socialite into a passionate woman who falls in love with the Monster, complete with a Bride of Frankenstein-inspired hairstyle.