Character Foils in A Separate Peace: Gene vs. Finny
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GENE FORRESTER
MAIN CHARACTER
16 years old, athletic
Really good at academics and book work; wants to be at the head of the class
Competitive and regimented
FINNY
FOIL CHARACTER
16 years old, green eyes, athletic
Doesn't care for rules, in sports or at school
The best athlete at the school; doesn't really do so well in his academics
Gene is incredibly insecure. He second-guesses everything, including Finny's motivations for friendship. While Finny just wants to have fun with his best pal, Gene imagines a competition between them where Finny is trying to sabotage his studies. When he discovers he is wrong, he is so angry at himself that he knocks Finny out of the tree, permanently injuring his leg.
Insecure and jealous
Second-guesses things and is afraid to take chances
Finny is unlike most other people. He doesn't seem to have a bad or jealous bone in his body. He loves to make up new games with no thought given to any hard-and-fast rules. He likes to break the school rules and jump from the tree by the river or skip classes and dinner. He loves hanging out with Gene and sees him as his best friend.
Impulsive
Has no ulterior motives; motivated by his love of fun