Open Prompt #1

2008. In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.

In the well-known Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling, the main character, Harry, has two best friends that accompany him in his adventures throughout the books. During these adventures, there are many minor characters, some more important than others, that assist the three on their quests. One of the most important of these minor characters would be that of Neville Longbottom, the foil of Harry Potter.  

Neville Longbottom is Harry's foil throughout the books. Even though he doesn't spend as much time with Harry as Ron and Hermione, Harry's best friends, do, he is a memorable character as he is in all of the books and possess the opposite qualities of Harry, further embellishing him into the reader's brain. This is shown when he is first truly met at the quidditch practice Harry goes to. Neville is passive and has no self-confidence, making him an easy target for the bully Draco Malfoy, whereas Harry's bold attitude helps Neville when an object of his is stolen by Draco. The conflicting personalities bring the characters closer together and brings this similarity to the reader's attention. 

Neville and Harry share a connection all throughout the books, having many examples in each. Another would be the different things that they excel at. Both are wizards and have the ability to do magic, but just like humans, certain things come easier to different people. Harry is very strong at casting spells whereas Neville excels at herbology. These two make a great team as Harry's physical strength and Neville's mental strength team up and help Harry in competing in the Triwizard Tournament in the book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. While the story wouldn't be as interesting if the main character was very skilled with plants or potions as he was with magic and spell casting, the differences between the two again shows that they both are important in the story, but their importance is shown through their skills. Magic being more important that plants, Harry is more important but needs Neville to help shape him. 

There are the obvious similarities between the two, such as the fact that either of them could have been the one to have the power to defeat the Dark Lord Voldermort, and that both have issues with their parents. This is a big similarity between the two, both being raised for a majority of their lives by someone other than their parents. In doing this, the author could be trying to show how both are strong and hearty by continuing on without their parents but each doing that in his own way. Both excel at subjects despite their upbringing and have a heartiness to them that can only be obtained through their special upbringing. 

Neville and Harry are not the same character, but have distinctive qualities that are both similar and different between the two, making Neville Harry's foil. While this is not quite obvious on the surface of the story, if one analyzes this idea, there are many similarities and differences that are connected between the two.  Having Neville support Harry all throughout the series without the reader knowing it may have been a scheme by the author to connect two things that are unlike on the surface but when looked at deeper are very similar and supportive to each other.