1. Foil Characters: Definition
A foil character is one whom the author designs to contrast with another character (usually the protagonist) in some meaningful way.
Foil characters take Two possible forms:
They can be two characters whose behaviors and attitudes differ
They can be two characters with some similarities but represent two different value systems (Protagonist vs. antagonist)

2. Foil Characters: Plot
Foil pairs generally behave two different ways in fiction:
They stay in opposition throughout the text, and may become in conflict with one another—though not always.
They come together to combine their strengths, often with one character learning from the other

3. Foil Characters: Function/Purpose
Authors create foils to emphasize a character trait that is usually essential to theme. BY exploring the foil pair, the reader can infer a theme that is central to the conflict of the novel. For example…

4. Foil Characters: Practice
Mr. Neck Mr. Freeman
Theme: In the novel speak, Laure Halse Anderson uses mr. Neck as a foil to Mr. Freeman to demonstrate that an effective teacher is one who…