4 Real People Who Appear in “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story”

**New Netflix Series Explores Historical Figures Linked to Lizzie Borden**

In the latest installment of Netflix’s anthology series *Monster*, titled *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story*, the narrative delves into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. The series, crafted by creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, not only dramatizes Borden’s alleged crimes but also interweaves several historical figures, including Nance O’Neil and Aileen Wuornos, who, while not contemporaries of Borden, share thematic connections with her tale.

The show stars Ella Beatty as the enigmatic Lizzie Borden, whose trial captivated America in the late 19th century. Although she was acquitted the following year, Lizzie was ostracised by her community, ultimately leading a life marked by solitude. The series does not shy away from embellishing certain aspects of Borden’s life to engage modern audiences, while also linking her story to broader societal issues regarding female violence and perception.

Among the characters featured is Bertha Manchester, portrayed by Linda Reiter. In the series, Bertha is depicted as a spinster and neighbour who mistreats the Borden family’s maid, Bridget Sullivan. Lizzie, unable to contain her fury, kills her with a hatchet in a brutal scene. Historical records verify that a Bertha Manchester did reside in Fall River, though her actual life diverges considerably from the show’s portrayal. Contrary to the narrative, she lived with her family on a dairy farm and was not known to have interacted with Lizzie. Tragically, she was murdered with an axe in 1893, shortly after Lizzie was arrested. Jose Correa de Mello, a Portuguese immigrant, later confessed to the crime.

Another significant figure featured in *Monster* is Nance O’Neil, played by Jessica Barden. O’Neil, whose real name was Gertrude Lamson, achieved fame as an actress in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably, the series suggests a prior relationship between her and Lizzie prior to the trial. This, however, is historically inaccurate, as they did not meet until 1904, over a decade after the trial. O’Neil later claimed that she remained unaware of Lizzie’s notorious past until their friendship had already developed. The bond they shared included extravagant gatherings at Borden’s estate, Maplecroft. Tragically, their friendship crumbled by 1905, never to be rekindled.

Aileen Wuornos also makes an appearance in the show, played by Sarah Paulson, representing a stark contrast to Lizzie Borden. Unlike Borden, Wuornos was a convicted murderer, sentenced to death for killing seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. She argued that her actions were in self-defence, yet she received six death sentences and was executed in 2002. In *Monster*, Wuornos expresses her fascination with Lizzie, seeing her as a woman who evaded justice in her time. The creators use Wuornos’ storyline to provoke thought about changing perceptions of female violence and societal reactions over a century apart.

The presence of Elizabeth Báthory, a notorious 16th-century Hungarian countess known for her alleged brutal actions against young women, further enriches the narrative complexity of the series. Although Báthory lived in an entirely different era and geographical context from Lizzie Borden, her inclusion highlights themes of female rage and violence. While Báthory was accused of torturing and killing over 600 young women, many elements surrounding her case remain shrouded in mystery. Historical speculation suggests that her wealth and influence may have made her a target of political rivals.

The juxtaposition of Borden, Wuornos, and Báthory across different time periods invites viewers to reflect on how society has historically dealt with women who exhibit aggression or defy societal norms. The creators of *Monster* intend to showcase these women as interconnected figures in a long legacy of female rage and the consequences that arise from it. As Brennan explained, the show draws comparisons between their lives, suggesting a continuous thread of struggle throughout history.

Despite efforts to interlace real historical accounts with dramatic retellings, it is important to recognise the discrepancies that exist between the series and true events. The portrayal of figures like Bertha Manchester and Nance O’Neil may contain elements of fiction, but they serve to highlight broader themes that resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly regarding gender and violence.

*Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* not only endeavours to entertain but also provokes viewers to engage with the historical narratives of women who have been vilified for their actions. The exploration of these intertwined stories serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics surrounding female violence and the societal constructs that shape public perception. As the series continues to garner attention, it opens a dialogue about how we view and understand women who step outside the bounds of societal expectation.