Well, one key element is his father's situation. His father being a revolutionary who died in prison before his birth had an impact on his upbringing in that harsh place. Also, his own struggle to survive in the prison environment is important. And then there's his discovery of the Venom drug. It was like a turning point in his life. It took his already developed strength and intelligence and supercharged it, which was a major part of his back story when it came to his later confrontations with Batman.
The key elements are his birth in prison, his self - education in the prison library, and his use of the Venom drug. His prison - born origin is fundamental as it sets the tone for his tough and unforgiving nature. The knowledge he gained from reading allowed him to be more than just a brute. And the Venom drug amplified his physical capabilities, making him a fearsome opponent.