Foil — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A character whose traits contrast with another character's, highlighting those traits by comparison. (English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry)
- A character whose contrasting traits highlight another character's qualities by comparison, often by facing the same situation and choosing differently. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
Where it is taught
- Characterization & Complex Characters — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 9: Experience, Perspective & Inquiry, Grade 9
- Characterization & Structure — Close Reading & Literary Analysis, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
In use
Sometimes a foil makes the change easier to see: a foil is a character built to contrast with another, the way a calm, cautious brother throws a reckless one into sharper relief simply by standing next to him.
Characterization & Complex Characters
A foil makes such traits easier to see: place a cautious brother beside a reckless one, or two prisoners who face the same cruelty and respond in opposite ways, and the contrast throws each into sharper relief than either could manage alone.
Characterization & Structure
Taught alongside
- characterization
- complex character
- direct characterization
- indirect characterization
- dynamic character
- in medias res
- frame narrative