The foils, if they are human beings, could have different character traits or for that matter, if they are objects they may be personified. It could be an object or even the subplot of the story itself. A writer may use a human being as a foil. Why are Foils Important in Literature?įoils are of several types. The purpose of this antagonistic relationship is more to drive the plot of the story than reveal differences in character. For example, Captain Hook is an antagonist character for Peter Pan in that their rivalry makes them adversaries. The relationship between the antagonist and protagonist, unlike between foil characters, brings intentional conflict and moves the action of a story forward rather than illustrating differences in character traits or personalities. The antagonist, through their actions, interferes with and prevents the achievement of the protagonist’s goal. The purpose of an antagonist character is to be in direct opposition to the protagonist of a story. The disparity between their character traits sheds light on who they both are, but doesn’t necessarily result in the opposition between the two. Beth is kind, shy, and selfless, whereas Amy is portrayed as self-centered and rather thoughtless. For example, in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Beth is a foil for her sister Amy’s character. A foil is a literary figure that helps to draw attention to the characteristics and behaviors of another literary figure. The purpose of a foil character is to illuminate or reveal certain traits of another character, without the necessity of generating opposition or conflict.
However, as literary devices, foil and antagonist characters serve different functions in a literary work. Many readers believe a foil character to be one that is opposite or even an enemy of the main character in a story. Foil and antagonist are often considered interchangeable as labels for literary characters. Writers often develop characters in literary works to create conflict or showcase differences between them.
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