Foil
A character whose characteristics contrast with the protagonist, highlighting protagonist's qualities.
Real World
In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago's calculating, deceptive nature throws Othello's initial openness and trust into sharp relief — the contrast makes Othello's tragedy more devastating because we see exactly what he loses.
Exam Focus
Always explain the contrast in both directions: what the foil reveals about the protagonist and what the protagonist reveals about the foil.
How well did you know this?