Characters

Elizabeth's quick judgment, independence, and capacity to revise her opinion hold the story together in both versions.

Paul is both a displaced heir and a dangerous prophetic figure, which makes his apparent rise more troubling than triumphant.

Amy's control of narrative, evidence, and public sympathy turns marriage into a struggle over who gets to define reality.

Michael's movement from distance to command is the central moral transformation in both versions.

Victor's responsibility for creating life changes substantially when the novel becomes a compact horror film.