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.

Read the excerpt from chapter 18 in frankenstein. alas! to me the idea of an immediate union with my elizabeth was one of horror and dismay. i was bound by a solemn promise which i had not yet fulfilled and dared not break, or if i did, what manifold miseries might not impend over me and my devoted family! could i enter into a festival with this deadly weight yet hanging round my neck and bowing me to the ground? i must perform my engagement and let the monster depart with his mate before i allowed myself to enjoy the delight of a union from which i expected peace. examine this excerpt to analyze the way the author’s choice of words adds to the meaning and impacts the tone of this portion of frankenstein. what does victor mean when he talks about “this deadly weight yet hanging round my neck and bowing me to the ground”? how do these words affect the tone at this point in the story? use examples and evidence from the text to support your analysis. frankenstein chapter 18