In a literary work, the foil is one who ________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the definition of a foil in literature.

Step 2: Explain the concept A foil is a character whose qualities, attitudes, or behaviour are in sharp contrast to those of another character, usually the protagonist. The writer does this to highlight the other character's traits and make them stand out more clearly.

Examples:

• In Shakespeare's Hamlet, Laertes is a foil to Hamlet. Laertes acts quickly and decisively to avenge his father, while Hamlet hesitates and delays.
• In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Nwoye is a foil to his father Okonkwo. Nwoye is gentle and reflective, while Okonkwo is violent and rigid.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Complements another character: Wrong. To complement means to complete or go well with, which is not what a foil does.
• B. Contrasts with another character: Correct. This is the standard definition of a foil.
• C. Introduces the conflict: Wrong. That describes an antagonist or an inciting incident, not a foil.
• D. Resolves the conflict: Wrong. That describes the climax or resolution of the plot, or a character who brings the resolution.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: Think of a foil as a mirror that shows the opposite. The word comes from the old jeweller's practice of placing a thin sheet of shiny metal (foil) behind a gemstone to make it sparkle more. Likewise, a foil character makes the main character's traits "sparkle" through contrast. Remember: foil = fight the sameness, show the difference.