"I beheld a countenance of angelic beauty and expression. Her hair of a shining raven black, and curiously braided; her eyes were dark but gentle, although animated; her features of a regular proportion, and her complexion wondrously fair, each cheek tinged with a lovely pink." p.82
Indirect characterization is frequently the way in which Mary Shelley conveys the nature of the characters in the book. In the quote above, the creature is referring to the new found lady at the cottage named Safie. Safie conveniently is Turkish and, therefore, has yet to learn French. As the creature studies the habits of the cottagers, he is able to pick up on language much more quickly than before. This eventually gives him the opportunity to try his luck in friendship with the cottagers. The introduction and characterization was a key method in linking the history of the creature with his present being. While Safie is a brief and somewhat uninvolved character, she is key to the story. Through her, Shelley is able to progress the story through developing the creature's language as well as his outlook towards humanity. Because of this, Safie really does play a key role in advancing the story.
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