Frankenstein - anecdote

"Do you remember on what occasions Justine Moritz entered our family? Probably you do not; her mother, was a widow with four children, of whom Justine was the third. This girl had always been the favourite of her father; but, through a strange perversity, her mother could not endure her, and after the death of M. Moritz, treated her very ill." p. 41

The excerpt that I have found is from Elizabeth's letter to Frankenstein. She is trying to jog his memory about Justine Moritz. With this brief anecdote, Frankenstein, as well as the reader, is able to learn more about the character of Justine. This is important because Justine plays an extremely important role as the story continues regarding Frankenstein's brother and the monster that he had created nearly two years ago. This is not the only anecdote that I have noticed while reading. Nearly every time a new character is introduced, the writer goes into some detail in order to characterize the character (duh!). For example, when the professors are introduced, a brief explanation is given for each of them. This is helpful in the story because I was able to understand more of where the characters were coming from and then I could begin to comprehend the main characters' reactions to each of the minor characters.