Question

Benvolio and Mercutio disagree about talking, or fighting.
(Explain why this is an example of foil.)

Answer 1

Foils in literature are defined as two characters that are clearly diametrically opposed. Benvolio and Mercutio make an excellent pair.

In the play, Benvolio is more of a laid-back, peace-loving guy that isn't really out for any blood. Mercutio is emotionally driven and highly energetic. His decisions lead to plot development and crisis in throughout the plot.

With reference to the prompt, the two are foils on the level that Mercutio is more likely to fight someone to solve a problem than he is to just talk it out. Benvolio is more likely to remain the peaceful mediator. These two ideas are defining features of the characters, and it's important to recognize that the literary device (foil) stems from these two ideas.