Real People Behind Lizzie Borden: Shocking True Stories

The series 'Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story' features several real individuals, though their connections to Lizzie Borden are often dramatized. Bertha Manchester, a neighbor in the show, was a real person who tragically died from an axe murder in May 1893, while Lizzie was awaiting trial. However, historical records indicate Manchester did not live near the Bordens and had no known connection to them.

Actress Nance O'Neil, portrayed in the series, first met Lizzie Borden in 1904, over a decade after the 1893 trial. Their friendship involved lavish parties at Lizzie's estate, but O'Neil later downplayed their acquaintance. This connection is contrasted with Aileen Wuornos, a convicted killer, who was included to explore changing perceptions of female violence over a century.

Additionally, 'Monster' features Elizabeth Báthory, a 16th-century Hungarian countess notorious for alleged atrocities. While Báthory is presented as a figure of morbid fascination for Lizzie and Wuornos, symbolizing female rage across history, there is no evidence Lizzie Borden knew of her or her crimes. The series uses these figures to explore historical contexts of female rage.