A character foil is a literary device used to highlight and contrast the qualities of another character, usually the protagonist. By placing a foil alongside the main character, authors can emphasize specific traits, behaviors, or motivations, allowing readers to better understand the character’s complexities.
In Act 2 of The Crucible, Mary Warren serves as a foil to Elizabeth Proctor. Mary is depicted as a more passive and impressionable character while Elizabeth is strong and principled. Throughout the act, Mary shows signs of vulnerability and is easily influenced by the other characters, while Elizabeth remains steadfast in her beliefs and moral values.
This contrast between Mary and Elizabeth emphasizes Elizabeth’s strength and resolve. As Mary becomes increasingly entangled in the hysteria of the witch trials, her character highlights Elizabeth’s maturity and the weight of her trials in the face of societal chaos. By examining these differences, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for Elizabeth’s character and the challenges she faces in a society consumed by fear and suspicion.