Griffin was undoubtedly a brilliant scientist who discovered how to make the human body invisible. However, he was rather a lawless person who showed no respect for the law or the rights of others.

His lawlessness was first evident when his landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. Instead of seeking legal recourse, Griffin took revenge by setting fire to the house, rendering himself a homeless wanderer.

Later, he resorted to theft to survive. Very early one morning, he stole money from a clergyman's desk, terrifying the clergyman and his wife who were awakened by the noises.

Griffin also broke into a big London store for warmth. After the doors were shut, he broke open boxes and wrappers to outfit himself with warm clothes, shoes, and an overcoat. He also fed himself on cold meat, coffee, sweets, and wine without paying for any of it.

Finally, when confronted, Griffin became violent. He hit people with blows that seemed to come from nowhere and even knocked the constable, Jaffers, unconscious when he attempted to hold on to the unseen scientist.