Most, if not all, writers agree that every story needs an antagonist, a character that hinders the protagonist or main character from achieving a goal or want. Without the antagonist, not enough is revealed about the protagonist. Essentially there’s no story, no dramatic tension, no illumination regarding the main character’s weaknesses, strengths, and desires. Some writers argue that the antagonist isn’t always necessary to a story’s development or discovering the protagonist’s true nature. But I believe the antagonist is vital to storytelling and doesn’t need to be a person. The antagonist can also be a place or a thing. It can even be a flaw within the main character!
And then there’s the foil. The role of the foil is to highlight opposing traits of another character, namely the protagonist. Is the foil essential? The one-word answer: no. Unlike the antagonist, the foil is relatively expendable. You don’t need a foil to tell a story, but it sure helps!
An online article, “What is a Foil Character” in filmlifestyle.com further describes the foil character’s purpose. “By employing foils, filmmakers create a richer tapestry of interaction on screen. They provide a vehicle for displaying the multi-faceted human experience, making for more compelling and relatable storytelling.”
The article continues with emphasizing that “a foil doesn’t always have to be an antagonist. They can be a close friend or ally who simply possesses contrasting characteristic.” Essentially, “the foil can push the protagonist towards growth and self-reflection…”
There’s a simplified way to differentiate the foil from the antagonist: A foil seeks to expose something essential about the protagonist. An antagonist seeks to oppose something essential in the protagonist. Of course, one character can be both/
My favorite movie foil is Han Solo of the famed Star Wars movie franchise. He’s the perfect contrast to highlight the protagonist Luke Skywalker’s personality. It’s all about contrast! The foil does not have to be in opposition to the main character UNLESS he or she is doing double duty a both foil and antagonist! character for Luke Skywalker. Let’s look at a few contrasts: Luke is serious and focuses on battling the Empire; Han is glib and seeks adventure, typically for personal gain. Luke is naïve; Han is worldly. Luke is naturally heroic; Han is an anti-hero unless circumstances force him to act heroically. And if one foil isn’t enough, our foil Han Solo has a foil with Chewbacca his co-pilot. Chewbacca is the perfect foil in contrast to Han, the mercurial smuggler who rises to the occasion at integral moments. Chewbacca is conscientious, organized, and loyal. Han is basically loyal to himself, and Chewbacca shines the best light on Han’s imperfections without us even understanding anything of his the co-pilot’s guttural language. It’s all visual and the communications are based on Han’s reactions. The best of foils!!
But we have the supreme antagonist in Darth Vader. He’s everyone’s bad guy, including Luke, Han, Chewbacca and the lovely Prince Leia. Darth Vader represents the dark, corruptible side of power. And, still, he has his own story of how he got to be the villainous force! The death of his wife and mother consumed him with fear and anger which led to the dark side. So even the antagonist, in this instance, has an exposed weakness, an event that fostered his unresolved anger.
It’s no wonder that the first Star Wars movie, released May 25, 1977, became an instant classic and spawned a movie series! The characters are rich with intertwined relationships that give depth and nuance to each one. And if that’s not enough foils for one story let’s not forget the droids, R2-D2 an C-3PO. What a great contrast between those two robotic characters! R2-D2 is emphatic and succinct in speech; C-3PO is talkative and nervous. R2-D2 is courageous; C3PO is vulnerable and timid.
So, when drawing up your characters, define the protagonist, antagonist, and foils! Emphasis should be on the antagonist opposing the protagonist and the foil contrasting the protagonist. The foil doesn’t have to show negative qualities in the main character. The foil is there to bring the protagonist to life for the reader or viewer. The more depth and insight into characters, the more we’re drawn to the story! As you write your next or final draft, may the foil be with you! Sorry, couldn’t resist!!
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