Character foils

Character foils are a very prominent feature in Hamlet, used by Shakespeare to develop characters and highlight behaviours or flaws. Essentially, character foils provide two or more contrasting characters, typically the protagonist and some other major character(s). However, for these different behaviours to be obvious, the characters first have to have some things in common. For a clear example, consider Hamlet and Laertes. While Hamlet struggles with delay and contemplation for the entire play, Laertes always wants to spring into action immediately. Their behaviours stand in stark contrast to one another, yet they are linked by their filial obligations to their murdered fathers.