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GCSE English Literature · key term
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character.
Used by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas
Paper 1, Paper 2
A character whose qualities or behaviour bring another character’s contrasting qualities into sharper focus.
Revise: ContextEdward therefore acts as a foil to Macbeth. Edward heals bodies; Macbeth’s rule wounds Scotland. Edward is associated with holy prayers; Macbeth seeks guidance from the witches.
A character whose similarities and differences make another character’s qualities clearer.
Either question: connect a precise choice of language, form or structure to its meaning and effect. Naming irony or a foil is not analysis by itself.
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A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character's qualities.
A character whose similarities and differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting responses or qualities help reveal another character’s nature.
A character whose differences from another character highlight important aspects of both personalities.
A character whose contrasting qualities highlight those of another character. Benvolio’s attempts to prevent fighting highlight Tybalt’s aggression.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality or values.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality.
A character, object or event that provides a revealing contrast with another.
A character whose similarities and differences help reveal important qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. The Ghost’s openness contrasts with Scrooge’s secrecy and isolation.
A character whose qualities contrast with another character’s, helping to highlight their differences.
A character whose contrasting qualities highlight those of another character. Fred’s warmth and sociability expose Scrooge’s coldness and isolation.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or behaviour.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character's nature. Lanyon's conventional scientific outlook makes him a foil to Jekyll.
A character whose contrasting qualities help readers understand another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. Clerval’s enthusiasm and sociability highlight Victor’s anxiety and withdrawal.
A character whose similarities and differences help reveal another character’s qualities. Walton becomes a foil to Victor when he agrees to abandon his dangerous expedition.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer. Clerval’s attentive friendship highlights Victor’s secrecy and isolation.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character’s qualities. Walton’s eventual retreat highlights Victor’s inability to abandon his pursuit.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities; Bingley’s sociability highlights Darcy’s reserve.
A character whose similarities or differences make another character’s qualities clearer. Bingley’s sociability highlights Darcy’s reserve.
A character whose contrasting qualities help readers understand another character. Charlotte’s practical approach to marriage contrasts with Elizabeth’s demand for affection and respect.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature. Wickham’s pleasing manners and dishonesty highlight the difference between Darcy’s awkward manner and his integrity.
A character whose contrasting qualities or choices help reveal those of another character.
A character whose similarities or differences highlight important qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature. Biddy’s kindness and steadiness contrast with Estella’s unpredictable treatment of Pip.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal their qualities.
A character whose similarities or differences make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Biddy’s practical learning and sound judgement highlight weaknesses in Pip’s understanding of improvement.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Watson's emotional responses highlight Holmes's emphasis on reason.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character's qualities. Jones's hasty conclusions highlight Holmes's careful examination of evidence.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Watson’s emotional responses highlight Holmes’s preference for detached reasoning.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal the qualities of both.
A character whose contrasting qualities bring another character’s qualities into sharper focus. Jones’s hasty conclusions highlight Holmes’s precise reasoning.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal the qualities of another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality or beliefs.
A contrast between characters that highlights their different qualities, values or behaviour.
A character whose contrasts with another character bring out important qualities in both. St John’s controlled severity contrasts with Rochester’s emotional intensity.
A character whose differences from another character make particular qualities or beliefs clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal that character’s qualities or choices.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or nature.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal the qualities or values of another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities or faults.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal important qualities or ideas.
A character whose contrasts with another character help reveal that other character’s qualities or beliefs.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A character whose similarities and differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
Revise: ContextBanquo becomes a foil to Macbeth: both hear prophecies, but Banquo recognises their danger. In Act 1 Scene 3, he warns that “The instruments of darkness tell us truths” in order to lead people towards harm. His response shows that hearing a prediction need not mean choosing murder.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character's nature.
A character whose similarities to and differences from another character highlight that other character’s qualities and choices.
A character whose contrasts with another character help reveal their qualities or choices.
A character whose similarities and differences highlight qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities or responses help reveal another character’s nature.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A character whose contrast with another character helps readers understand their different qualities.
Revise: Chapter 11 to the end: the fall, hospital and the eleven-plusRobert therefore acts as a foil to Anita. Where Meena’s friendship with Anita often demands that she prove herself, Robert offers companionship. His care gives her a concrete experience of a relationship that does not require self-betrayal.
A character whose contrasting behaviour or values help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal important qualities in both.
A character whose contrasts with another character make their attitudes or qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting attitudes or behaviour help reveal another character’s qualities.
Component 1, Component 2
A character whose differences from another character make particular qualities or attitudes more noticeable.
Revise: MercutioMercutio acts as a foil to Romeo: their contrasting attitudes help the audience understand both characters.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature.
A character whose contrasting behaviour or qualities help reveal those of another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities bring another character’s qualities into sharper focus.
A character whose similarities and differences with another character make particular qualities stand out.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer. Macduff’s loyalty and compassion expose Macbeth’s ambition and cruelty.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting behaviour or values make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose similarities and differences bring another character's qualities into sharper focus.
A character or relationship whose similarities and differences help reveal the qualities of another.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasts with another character make particular qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Helen’s patience highlights Jane’s anger and resistance.
An arrangement in which contrasting characters help reveal one another’s qualities. Biddy acts as a foil to Estella through her kindness, consistency and practical intelligence.
A character whose qualities contrast with another character’s, helping readers recognise important differences between them.
A character whose qualities contrast with another character’s, helping the reader understand both. Biddy’s steady kindness makes her a foil to Estella.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character’s qualities. Herbert’s considerate behaviour exposes Pip’s insecurity and contrasts with Drummle’s aristocratic entitlement.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or characteristics.
A character whose contrasts with another character help reveal their different qualities or beliefs.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character; Fred’s generosity contrasts with Scrooge’s isolation.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer. Fred’s warmth and generosity highlight Scrooge’s initial coldness and selfishness.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality; Bingley’s sociability highlights Darcy’s reserve.
A character or relationship whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another. The Bennets’ incompatible marriage contrasts with Jane and Bingley’s similarity of temperament.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s values or behaviour.
A character whose contrast with another character brings important qualities into clearer focus. Wickham’s pleasing manners and dishonesty highlight the difference between Darcy’s outward reserve and his integrity.
A character who brings out another character's qualities through contrast.
A character whose contrasting behaviour or qualities help readers understand another character. The Gardiners act as foils to the Bennet parents.
A character whose contrasting qualities or actions help reveal another character’s qualities. Godfrey’s failure to raise Eppie highlights Silas’s committed fatherhood.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. Priscilla’s bluntness and independence highlight Nancy’s restraint and attachment to marriage.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal that other character's qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s values or weaknesses. Clerval’s practical care contrasts with Victor’s abandonment of his creation.
A character whose differences from another character make particular qualities clearer. Walton becomes a foil to Victor when he agrees to abandon his expedition.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Elizabeth’s care for others contrasts with Victor’s secretive pursuit of knowledge.
A character whose contrasts with another character help reveal that other character’s qualities, choices or failings.
A character whose attitudes or experiences contrast with another’s, helping to reveal important differences.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. Herbert’s considerate behaviour highlights Pip’s anxiety about social status.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature or values.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities help readers understand another character; Biddy’s considerate behaviour contrasts with Estella’s treatment of Pip.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasts with another character help reveal that other character’s qualities.
A character whose qualities contrast with another character’s, helping to reveal their differences.
A character whose contrasting qualities help readers recognise another character’s traits.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities; Bingley’s sociability highlights Darcy’s reserve.
A character or relationship whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character or relationship.
A character whose similarities or differences highlight qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or behaviour.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal another character's qualities. Wickham's attractive manners and dishonest conduct highlight the difference between Darcy's appearance and his principles.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal the other’s qualities or weaknesses.
A character whose contrasting behaviour helps reveal another character's qualities.
A character whose differences from another character help reveal that other character's qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities bring another character’s qualities into sharper focus.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. Lanyon’s conventional scientific outlook highlights Jekyll’s unconventional ambitions.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s beliefs or behaviour.
A character whose similarities and differences highlight important qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality or beliefs. Helen’s patience highlights Jane’s anger at injustice.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature.
A character whose contrasting qualities help emphasise the qualities of another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities highlight those of another character.
A character who provides a contrast that helps reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrast with another character highlights particular qualities in both.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or personality.
A character whose differences from another character make particular qualities more noticeable.
A character whose similarities and differences highlight qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal important features of another character.
A character whose similarities or differences help reveal the qualities of another character.
A character whose contrast with another character helps reveal their different qualities or values.
A character whose similarities and differences bring out important qualities in another character.
A character or relationship whose contrast with another helps reveal significant qualities or weaknesses.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character's qualities.
A character whose similarities and differences highlight qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal important features of another character.
A character or relationship whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another.
A character whose similarities and differences make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character, relationship or situation whose contrast with another helps reveal important differences.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s personality or role.
A character whose contrast with another character highlights differences in their qualities or beliefs.
A character whose contrasting qualities or attitudes help reveal those of another character.
A character or figure used to highlight another character’s qualities through contrast.
A character whose contrasting qualities reveal something important about another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature. Bob’s loving generosity contrasts with Scrooge’s early selfishness.
A character whose contrasting qualities highlight those of another character. Fred’s warmth and sociability expose Scrooge’s coldness and isolation.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s attitudes or behaviour.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities clearer.
A character whose similarities or differences help bring out another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities or actions help reveal important features of another character.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s characteristics. Priscilla’s blunt independence highlights Nancy’s restrained manners and attachment to Godfrey.
A character whose contrasting behaviour or circumstances help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose similarities and differences help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. The curate’s loss of control highlights the narrator’s efforts to remain rational.
A character whose contrasting qualities make another character’s qualities more apparent.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s qualities. Bingley’s welcoming behaviour makes Darcy’s coldness at the assembly more noticeable.
A character whose similarities or differences highlight qualities in another character. Jane’s charitable judgements contrast with Elizabeth’s sharper criticism.
A character whose contrast with another character makes particular qualities more noticeable.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal those of another character. Lady Catherine’s resistance to correction contrasts with Darcy’s capacity to change.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal the qualities of another character.
A character whose similarities or differences highlight important qualities in another character.
A character whose contrasting attitudes or behaviour help reveal another character’s qualities.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature. St John’s restraint and insistence on duty contrast with Rochester’s passionate appeals.
A character whose similarities and differences bring another character’s qualities into sharper focus.
A character whose contrast with another character helps reveal their qualities, beliefs or behaviour.
A character whose contrasting qualities help reveal another character’s nature. St John’s loveless proposal highlights both the value and the dangers of Rochester’s passionate love.
A character whose contrasting qualities help readers understand another character. Lanyon’s conventional medical outlook highlights Jekyll’s experimental ambitions.
