Romeo and Juliet FOIL Characters

A foil character contrasts the personalities of another character, which particularly enlightens certain characteristics of the individual. This element portrays these characteristics in an obvious manner, as it benefits the reader or audience. By showing the characteristics of one, it directly heightens the character traits of the other, creating a foil illustration of an individual. Nowhere is this element of literature more prudent than in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, as he effectively engages the use of foil characters. In the play, two lovers from opposing, and hateful families fall in love, but the hatred between households lead to their downfall. Characters in the immoral city of Verona are set to represent key themes and elements of tragedy, and these features are illuminated by the strong use of foil characters. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo’s qualities are emphasized and distinguished through the foil representations of Mercutio, Tybalt, and both households. Mercutio is an important foil character for Romeo as his realistic mindset amplifies Romeo’s dreamy and romantic thinking. First, Mercutio heightens Romeo’s idealistic mentality, as Mercutio has no belief in true love. For example, as Romeo expresses his love for Rosaline, Mercutio mocks him and points out that love is non-existent. This is represented when Mercutio says, “If love be rough with you, be rough with love. Prick love for pricking and you beat love down,” (Shakespeare, 1.4, 27-28). This quote reveals Mercutio’s sour attitude towards love and highlights Romeo's childish thinking. Moreover, Romeo is lost in grief and feels his world has fallen apart while Mercutio realizes the unnecessary gloominess Romeo is bringing upon himself. This in turn makes Mercutio a great foil as his knowledge and maturity contrasts with Romeo's innocence. Second, Mercutio’s death highlights Romeo’s rashness, his impulsive mentality, and foreshadows further catastrophe in the play.