This document discusses literary foils and mirrors. Foils are pairs of characters whose differences illuminate each other's important characteristics. Examples given are Scar and Simba from The Lion King, and Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games. Mirrors are characters who have similar forms or functions but oppose each other in some way. While foils are traditionally considered opposites and mirrors the same, the terms are related as they add depth to stories by allowing appreciation of characters and revealing themes. Contrast between characters, like heat providing comfort in cold weather and a cool breeze being delightful in summer, gives each more meaning.

1. Literary Foils and Mirrors
The same…but different.
(I know. Pretty deep stuff.)

2. Foil
Literally, a “leaf” of bright metal placed
under a jewel or art to increase its
brilliance. Contrast underscores distinctive
characteristics.

3. Literary Foils
Pairs of characters whose differences illuminate
the important characteristics in each other

4. Scar and Simba
Scar is selfish, vain, and evil.
Simba is self-sacrificing, loyal, and righteous.

5. Katniss and Peeta
Peeta’s gentle and sweet personality contrast with
Katniss’s rational, sometimes cold independence.

6. Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort
Harry Potter believes in honor, truth, and justice.
Voldemort is a staunch evildoer and considers
Harry’s values foolish.

7. However…
Foils must have some similar form or
function.
We cannot compare apples and
oranges, after all.
This is where the term mirror comes in.

8. Mirrors
Literally, a glass surface backed by reflective
material (foil!) that reflects visual images.
A mirror image follows the same form and
movement
BUT
A mirror image is also OPPOSITE and RELATIVE!
Left is right. Right is left.
The device can influence the reflected image.

9. Literary Mirrors
Characters who have similar form and/or
function, but oppose each other in some
significant way

10. Foil and Mirror
Although traditionally,
foil=opposite and mirror=same
These terms are indelibly related and perhaps
more synonym than antonym.
In any case, they…
• add depth to stories
• allow us to appreciate characters and
situations
• reveal theme

11. Concluding Connections
Heat soothes in cold weather…
…a cool breeze is a summer delight.
A starry night against a dark sky is a brilliant
treat for our vision.
Without the other, one holds less meaning
and power.