Final answer:
Henry Clerval reminds Victor Frankenstein of his former self, reflecting the untainted ambition and goodness Victor once had before his obsession with creating life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character that reminds Victor Frankenstein of his former self in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is Henry Clerval. Victor sees in Henry the enthusiasm for knowledge, innocence, and goodness that he himself possessed before he became consumed by his obsession with creating life. Henry represents the untainted ambition and the joy of discovery that Victor once had, making their friendship a poignant reminder of what Victor has lost on his quest for forbidden knowledge. It is worth noting that the novels 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' and 'Dracula' depict characters who, like Victor Frankenstein, become monstrous to society due to their inner conflicts and actions, pointing to a common theme in literature that explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the dichotomy between one's public persona and hidden nature.