Definition
In literature, it is a character who shows contrasting qualities with another character to emphasis the second character’s traits.
Example from The Count of Monte Cristo
“Forgive, Edmond, forgive for the sake of Mercedes, who still loves you!” (p.313) -Mercedes still cares for Edmond
Madame Danglars is cheating on Danglars with Lucien Debray
Madame Danglars is a foil to Mercedes because it makes Mercedes’ character look stronger. They both have poor marriages, but only one stays faithful. Madame Danglars is portrayed as a bad mother and wife, so it emphasizes how good of a person Mercedes is because even though she still has feelings for Edmond, she stays loyal to Fernand.
Another example from Animal Farm
Snowball’s character in Animal Farm is a foil to Napoleon because he makes Napoleon the clear bad guy of the story. Snowball has big plans for the farm and likes to take into account the opinions of all of the animals, but Napoleon is more of a dictator and wants things done his own way. Snowball was a brave leader and was wounded when fighting the farmers, but he is eventually ran off by Napoleon and his attack dogs.
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