Dual Character Study A foil is a character who serves as a contrast to another character. The foil has the opposite qualities of the main character. For example, if the main character is sly and devious, the foil will be direct and straightforward. As a result, a foil helps readers see the main character’s important traits. This helps readers analyze and understand the main character’s strengths and weaknesses. Start by choosing a pair of characters from Act III: Romeo, Tybalt, Benvolio, and Mercutio. Then think about each character’s actions. What do these actions reveal about the character’s qualities, especially his strengths and weaknesses? Finally, decide how the characters are foils for each other. Directions: Write an outline for your dual character study. Use examples and details from The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Act III to strengthen your analysis. Fill in the chart as you work on the outline. Introduction Two characters Why one character is a foil to the other Body Character 1: qualities Character 2: qualities How one character serves as a foil to the other Conclusion Summary of the main points