Here's why:
* Walton's ambition: Walton is a driven explorer, obsessed with reaching the North Pole. He is willing to risk everything, including the lives of his crew, to achieve his goal.
* His encounter with Victor: When Victor arrives on Walton's ship, he is initially intrigued by Victor's story of scientific ambition and the creation of the monster. Walton sees Victor as a kindred spirit, someone who shares his thirst for knowledge and glory.
* His influence on Victor: Walton unknowingly encourages Victor's dangerous pursuit by praising his ambition and failing to see the moral implications of his actions.
* The consequences of Victor's creation: Victor's creation of the monster leads to a chain of events that ultimately results in Victor's death and the destruction of Walton's expedition.
In essence, Walton's role in the story is to serve as a foil to Victor. While both are driven by ambition, Walton's ambition is ultimately tempered by a sense of responsibility, while Victor's ambition is blind to the consequences of his actions.
Ultimately, the conflict between Walton and Victor is a conflict of values. Walton represents the pursuit of knowledge for the sake of progress, while Victor represents the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of moral responsibility.