En route to the North Pole, explorer Robert Walton picks up the dying scientist Victor Frankenstein who relates to Walton the story of how his studies led him to create a monster out of dead matter. Frankenstein is repulsed by the Monster, who escapes only to be outcast by society.

Vowing vengeance on his creator, the Monster kills Frankenstein's younger brother and frames an innocent for the crime. The Monster then encounters Frankenstein,recounts his life since his escape, and demands that Frankenstein create a mate. When Frankenstein refuses, the Monster goes on a rampage of revenge.

Frankenstein vows vengeance and pursues the Monster to the Arctic where he relates his story to Walton, then dies. The Monster reappears for a last word with Walton before he disappears on the ice.