Foil is a technique that is used when a character, who, through striking differences, similarities, and strong contrast, underscores the protagonist's distinctive characteristics. In the play Hamlet, Shakespeare uses the "foil" technique where the characters of Fortinbras and Laertes serve as ones to Hamlet. ... Fortinbras serves as a foil to Hamlet due to his striking similarities and differences that Shakespeare exposes throughout the play. Fortinbras possesses many character traits as Hamlet does. ... Laertes is also manifested as a foil to Hamlet shown throughout the play. ...

• Word Count: 903
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

In her dissertation "Something Old And Dark Has Got Its Way," Nathalie Hewitt points out that: : "The dominant figures are the paternal characters, those who establish the rules for their wives, daughters, sons, and servants. ... In Romeo and Juliet, and in Walpole's novel, all of the characters suffer the consequences of paternal transgressions, but for Juliet and Matilda, the consequences of their fathers' mistakes are fatal" (15). ... He rules Caliban and Ariel and devises all sorts of schemes for the other characters. ... As a friend and foil to Romeo, Mercutio brings...

• Word Count: 2655
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School