Griffin was a very intelligent scientist who put his heart and soul into achieving invisibility. Unfortunately, his passion warped into an obsession. Griffin was a student of medicine at the University College where he won a medal for excellence in chemistry. His keen interest in light drew him to physics. Fascinated by optical density, he moved to Chesilstowe after leaving London. He worked as a demonstrator in a provincial college while carrying out his research on making things invisible. He cut himself off from normal social life.

His depraved existence coaxed him to the extent of robbing his own father. Griffin grew short-tempered, intolerant and vindictive. 

Embittered by his pseudo success Griffin continued to fall morally. He made life miserable for the people of Iping. The absence of human sensitivity in Griffin became clear when he forced a vulnerable Marvel to be his accomplice. The brutal manner in which he killed Wick steed and chased Kemp to avenge treachery marked the eventual destruction of goodness in him.