Character Foil Definition & Examples

Foil Definition: a character that exhibits opposite or conflicting traits to another character

Definition of Foil Characters Storyboard

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Character Foils

Foils are often used to highlight a character’s strengths, or to criticize their weaknesses. By having two opposite characters interacting in similar plot events, the reader gets to see how each character confronts conflict, turmoil, relationships, and moral dilemmas. Usually in the shadow of their opposite, the protagonist’s traits are illuminated to a degree that may not otherwise have been noticed without their foil’s presence. In this way, subtle character traits can become their primary traits, and win an audience’s affection. For example, Romeo’s romantic side is highlighted even more by the crass, innuendo-laden dialogue of Mercutio, who reduces the ideal of love to a series of scornful jokes. Next to Mercutio, Romeo seems innocent and virtuous, making him an even more perfect match for the innocent and virtuous Juliet.

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Notable Foil Character Examples in Literature

• Romeo and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet
• Lennie and George in Of Mice and Men
• Mary and Lydia Bennet in Pride and Prejudice
• Harry Potter and Voldemort in the Harry Potter series
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• Pip and Estella in Great Expectations
• Amir and Hassan in The Kite Runner
• Dr. Frankenstein and his monster in Frankenstein