Walton is introduced early in Frankenstein, but he is never established as an important character. However, it seems that Victor's story foreshadows Walton's fate.
The first letters by Walton quickly establish his strong curiosity towards Victor and his journey. Victor then goes on to explain everything that happened, starting with his interest in science. Victor reveals that as an adolescent, he was interested in science, and grew more obsessed as he became older. As he told the story, he kept warning about his [Vicor's] upcoming fate, as if he wanted to also warn Walton.
Further into the novel, Frankenstein explains his isolation from his family, due to his addiction for knowledge and success. Victor's situation is extremely similar to Walton's, as Walton left his sister in the pursuit of knowledge. Seeing this, Victor repeatedly highlighted his downfall, because he realized that it was his obsession that caused it.
On Walton's ship, Victor had no family or friends, so he must have swallowed his mistakes, and began to care more for the people around him. After all, Walton did save him, and his gift of survival was very valuable.
Walton seems to be forgetten later in the novel, but Victor's emotions clearly convey his [now] wise feelings towards isolation and obsession- which the reader must assume Walton will one day learn.
Interesting observations Pat. Walton is definitely an underrated character in the novel and, like you said, his adventure story ties in with the main narrative in more ways than just acting as the frame. --Mr. Johnson
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