“It takes two to make an accident.”
What makes a character compelling for a reader? One of the most common strategies used by authors is to show off certain aspects of a character’s traits by using a foil. In books, films and TV shows, a foil character is an individual who acts as another character’s – usually the protagonist – opposite. But, what exactly is a foil character? And how can you go about crafting perfect foil in your stories? Join us today at What We Reading as we run you through everything you need to know about how to write foil, how it can be used to develop your characters, as well as some of the most famous examples of foil characters from across the reading world!
What Is Literary Foil?
The term ‘foil’ found its way into the literary world from the old practice of using foil to make gems shine more brightly. As we’ll get into, this is an apt term for describing the purpose of foil in books.
In short, a literary foil is a character whose purpose is to highlight or draw attention to the traits of another character.
Why Are Foil Characters Important?
Literary foil is used as a tool by writers to reveal information about characters and what makes them act and behave the way they do. Foil also:
- Gives characters context: Counter-weights for a main character can help a reader assess the weight of the story. An example of this is Shakespeare using Mercutio as a foil in Romeo and Juliet. Without him, Romeo may just appear as a boy in love. But Mercutio’s casual approach to all things love compared to his best friend’s obsession makes Romeo’s feelings appear even deeper.
- Provides a different path: A foil character can be used as a means of exploring different routes a story could take. Exploring another character’s values and motivations can create branching storylines for a reader. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer is driven by his sense of adventure, whereas Huck is led by his moral compass. This foil leads to the pair approaching situations in different ways.
- Helps give a deeper understanding of a character: Ultimately, the main aim of foil is to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of a character. In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein isolates himself from others, driven by his obsession to create a living creature. This leads to him constructing his own foil: a creature that craves connection and the other human characteristics Frankenstein lacks.
2 Types Of Literary Foils
We’ve mainly been speaking about literary foils as characters in stories. However, literary foils can also take other forms:
- Subplots as foil: Subplots are used by authors to make their plots more complex, build tension and bring attention to information the author wants to convey. William Shakespeare, aka. The King of Literary Foil uses this in Hamlet. Whilst Hamlet writes a play to get his uncle to confess, the subplots of Laertres and Fortibras are foils to this by pulling out their weapons and seeking out revenge that way.
- Objects as foil: Sometimes a writer will illuminate the importance of an object by contrasting it with another. This is especially common in fantasy and romance stories. For example, Emily Bronte stresses the ominous darkness looming over the grey, weather-worn Wuthering Heights estate with Thrushcross Grange, a far more grandiose neighbouring estate soaking in the sun.
Differences Between A Foil Character And An Antagonist
Authors often square characters off against each other to create conflict and heighten the drama in their stories. Whilst an antagonist can be used as a literary foil, it’s important to remember that foils and antagonists are still two distinct character types that serve different purposes.
- A foil character doesn’t necessarily have to cause conflict with a character, just shine the spotlight on certain personality traits they exhibit. Foils can even be allies or close friends of the character they are drawing attention to. Dr John Watson is a foil to Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series.
- An antagonist is a character that directly opposes the protagonist. Their actions and motivations are deliberately designed to halt the progress of the protagonist. This helps create conflict and drive the story’s plot.
Check Out The Differences Between Villains And Antagonists
5 Examples Of Foil Characters In Books
Draco Malfoy – Harry Potter (JK Rowling)
- Why it’s foil: Draco Malfoy is Harry Potter’s main rival during their time at Hogwarts. Whereas Harry chooses to fight against Lord Voldemort, Draco makes the decision to ally with him and join his Death Eaters. As the series progresses, Draco’s journey is shown to mirror but also oppose Harry. This serves to illustrate the choices one faces in the fight between good and evil, and Draco’s combination of questionable decisions and dark path help emphasise Harry’s loyalty, courage and moral compass.
Peeta Mellark – The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
- Why it’s foil: In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, Peeta Mellark is a foil character for protagonist Katniss Everdeen. The pair are shown to have contrasting personalities and approaches to survival. Whilst Katniss is fiercely independent, sceptical and tough, Peeta is empathetic and idealistic.
Tom Buchanan – The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
- Why it’s foil: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Tom Buchanan and the main character Jay Gatsby are shown to be foils for one another because they represent different aspects of social class and wealth. Tom is arrogant, entitled and the symbol of ‘old money’, whereas Gatsby is romantic, self-made and a self-made success with ‘new’ money.
Matthias Helvar – Six Of Crows (Leigh Bardugo)
- Why it’s foil: Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows establishes protagonists Kaz Brekker and Matthias Helvar as foil characters. The pair have contrasting backgrounds and moral codes as a result. Whereas Matthias is loyal, honourable and bound by strict moral principles, Kaz is cunning, ruthless and operates in a more morally grey space.
Bob Ewell – To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
- Why it’s foil: Harper Lee’s classic work To Kill a Mockingbird sets up Atticus Lee and Bob Ewell as literary foil due to their stark attitudes towards race and justice. Whilst Atticus is empathetic and compassionate and fights for justice, Bob is racist, and dishonest and looks to maintain his privilege.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
