Vickie C. Ball, Harlan High School
1
*A character foil is a character whose
traits are in direct contrast to those of the
principal character.
Vickie C. Ball, Harlan High School
2
In Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio is
a foil opposed to Benvolio.
Mercutio's violent, self-centered
stature shows how peaceful and
unselfish Benvolio is.
Vickie C. Ball, Harlan High School
3
In Act I, scene 1, Benvolio, who
tries to quiet the brawling
servants, is a foil to the fiery
Tybalt. More important, by his
calm and sensible disposition,
Benvolio is a dramatic foil to the
moody, emotional Romeo.
Vickie C. Ball, Harlan High School
4
Who is a foil to Antigone?
Who is a foil to Brutus?
Vickie C. Ball, Harlan High School
5