Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Assess your understanding of literary concepts and sharpen your analytical skills through engaging questions and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Practice this question and more.

What is a foil character in literature?

A minor character who causes dramatic tension.
A character who is a direct opposite of the protagonist.
A character who provides comic relief.
A character who has similar traits to the protagonist.

The correct answer is: A character who is a direct opposite of the protagonist.

A foil character is a literary device used to highlight and contrast the traits and characteristics of the protagonist. This is achieved by presenting a character who is a direct opposite of the protagonist in terms of personality, actions, and beliefs. This contrast helps to bring out the specific qualities of the protagonist in a more pronounced manner. Option A is incorrect because a foil character does not have to be a minor character; they can also have a significant role in the story. Option C is incorrect because a foil character is not necessarily intended to provide comic relief. Option D is incorrect because a foil character is characterized by having opposite traits, not similar ones, to the protagonist.