Foil

"Alas, how great was the contrast between us! He was alive to every new scene; joyful when he saw the beauties of the setting sun, and more happy when he beheld it rise, and recommence a new day. He pointed out to me the shifting colours of the landscape, and the appearances of the sky." -- Page 112

In this excerpt from Chapter XVIII, Victor talks about the stark contrast between himself and his best friend and companion, Henry Clerval.  In literature we have a name for these juxtaposed personalities, they're called foil characters.  For every self-pitying, cry baby, whining, depressing comment Victor can make about life, Clerval is there to brighten the day with odes to nature and the beauties of life.  Victor despises creation (with fair reason) where Clerval embraces it.  It's truly a pity that Henry has to be the one to die.  O, how I hate Victor.  This foil at first seems to make a good storyline, as the duo travel the English countryside, visiting the houses of randos who invite people into their homes without knowing them.  Then, they split up (bad move).  Within Clerval I see resemblances to Franky; they both appreciate nature and speak with poetic wisdoms about humanity and its charms.  In fact, I'm starting to see a common denominator here, that the only unlikeable character in this whole novel is actually Victor, because all he does is complain about his life.  I don't like your life either, Victor!  Do something interesting.