Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818)

The creature can speak, argue and describe his own experience, which gives the novel more conversational force than a familiar monster image suggests. Stories are nested inside other stories, so keep track of who is speaking and let the questions of responsibility develop. Choose an edition labelled the 1818 text if you want Shelley's original version. The prose is elevated, but the need to be heard remains direct.