When creating a character, the author must take into consideration the many different attributes that this character should or shouldn't have. In the book Frankenstein, Mary Shelley created Henry Clerval to be a gentleman and a good friend, but she gave him several other attractive qualities. Although many of Henry's characteristics are desirable, some of them are not, and that is what makes him seem more like a real person. The reader can relate to Henry's character easier when Henry acts more like an ordinary human being would act in a given situation. One way that the reader compares himself to Clerval is when the reader thinks about what a friend is. There are many qualities that people look for in a friend or a best friend. Different people value certain characteristics more than others, but some of the most desirable qualities include kindness, honesty, and responsibility. Henry Clerval displays compassion, a strong sense of companionship, and intelligence throughout the novel Frankenstein.
             Henry displays characteristics of compassion not only towards Victor Frankenstein, but to the Frankenstein family as well. From childhood well into adulthood Henry plays an enormous part in Victor's life, whether it was being his best friend, or studying schoolwork together. Clerval cares deeply about Frankenstein and is often times concerned for his friend, as any normal friend would be. Henry also has an incredible impact on Victor's life. Henry challenges Victor in different aspects of his life that Victor seems to have a hard time discovering about himself. For example, when Victor falls dreadfully ill after the construction of the creature, Henry takes care of him; one of the ways that Henry challenges Victor is by teaching and showing him how to see the good in life. He emphasizes how important it is to have a good attitude even when everything seems to be going wrong. This is where Clerval's compassion c...