Prompt: In a literary work, a minor character, often known as foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by

contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example,

the ideas or behavior of the minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the

main character.

Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil to a main character. Then write an

essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character

illuminates the meaning of the work.

You will choose Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Do not merely summarize the plot.

(Suggested time—40 minutes.)

Sample Thesis Sentences:

The unexplainable effects of obsession is a major theme in the novel Catch-22. The protagonist

Yossarian is a victim to obsession. His fear of death is so intense and compelling that it dictates his life.

One of his close friends McWatt possesses contrasting traits but, never-the-less, is always looking out for

Yossarian. Through McWatt and Yossarian’s close friendship and varying characteristics, Catch-22

conveys the theme that obsession can take control of one’s life.

“For you, a thousand times over,” Hassan replies when Amir asks him to run his kite. Hassan loves Amir.

Hassan has strength and bravery that Amir could not dream of. Amir only thinks of himself, while

Hassan puts others first. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini uses the minor character of Hassan to

show everything that Amir is not. (Missing the theme of the book)

Black ink does not stand out well on dark blue paper. Rather, the contrast it has with white paper allows

it to be read much more easily. This same idea applies to literature. Often a foil is introduced in order to

emphasize the traits of the main character. In Charles Dickens’s social-commentary novel, Great

Expectations, a minor character, Bentley Drummle, acts as a foil to the protagonist, Pip. The differences

between the two support Dickens’s belief that social status is not truly important.

Main Character

Minor Character

Theme of Book

(Some general statement about Frankenstein, the novel with a mention of Mary Shelley). A

statement about the main character and his or her relationship to the minor character that

mentions some personalities traits they have that are contrast. A statement that mentions how the

relationship between the two characters brings out a major theme in Frankenstein, the novel.

Block Method:

Paragraph 1

Mention of the Minor Character. Describe 2 or 3 traits with examples from the novel.

Paragraph 2

Mention of the Major Character. Describe 2 or 3 traits with examples from the novel. These

should contrast with those of the minor characters.

Paragraph 3/Conclusion

A paragraph that makes a connection between the two charcters and to the theme of the novel.

Point by Point Method:

Paragraph 1

Write about one personality trait. Describe examples that fit the minor character. Describe

examples that fit the major character.

Paragraph 2 or two

Write about another personality trait. Describe examples that fit the minor character. Describe

examples that fit the major character.

Paragraph 3/Conclusion

A paragraph that makes a connection between the two charcters and to the theme of the novel.