Romeo And Juliet Foils

Characters. The. There are different types of characters, in different stories. There is the Christ figure, the hero, the damsel in distress. But a character archetype that is very common and improves a story by binds foil characters. One great example is Romeo and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. Romeo exemplifies emotions like love, passion, and impulsivity. In contrast, traits such as an aggressive nature, a strict disciplinary code, and loyalty to family are more important to Tybalt. In William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, the characters Romeo and Tybalt are great examples of foil characters, as they contrast with each other in different ways, like motivations, traits, and actions. The constantly contrasting motivations

One place in the story where this is shown is in the balcony scene when Romeo says he will risk his life for their love: “Than twenty of their swords. Look thou but sweet,” (2.77). This shows that Romeo is willing to risk his life, just for the chance to be with Juliet. This is a stark contrast to the blatant family-driven motivations of Tybalt. Tybalt’s core motivations are based on his loyalty and deep-rooted desire to serve his family. This is shown when he threatens Romeo by saying “Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford. / No better term than this: thou art a villain.” (3.1.61-62). This shows that Tybalt instinctively does not trust even the Montagues, always sees them as villains, and will always speak with little kindness. The exchange between the character’s motivations sets the stage for even novice readers to grasp the essence of foil characters. Tybalt and Romeo also have very different character traits, further exemplifying the fact they are foil characters. Romeo, impulsive and romantic, has more emotional and gentle

This shows that Romeo is aware of the danger that could result from continuing with Juliet, yet, he continues because his judgment is clouded by impulsivity and lust. This is a distinct change from the sharp and aggressive traits of Tybalt. These traits are portrayed when Tybalt says menacingly, “This, by his voice, should be a Montague.— / Fetch me my rapier, boy.” (1.5.61-62a). Tybalt demonstrates his belligerent personality by immediately stepping up and protecting his own against someone whom he considers a threat to his loved ones. The traits of Tybalt and Romeo in the play further prove that they are foil characters. The final way that Romeo and Tybalt are portrayed as foil characters is by the actions exhibited by each throughout the play. Romeo’s actions of choosing to abandon his family values and be with Juliet oppose Tybalt’s actions of choosing to stay loyal to his family, despite it not always being