Character foils in Harry Potter

[Nurvingiel]

Post which two characters you think are foils, and why.

A character foil is two characters who are seeming opposites. This usually applies only to the main character, but I thought it would be interesting to look at all the foils in the Harry Potter books.

Good definition:

A character foil is a character whose traits are in direct contrast to those of the principal character. The foil therefore highlights the traits of the protagonist. The foil is usually a minor character, although if there are two protagonists, they may be foils of each other.

Definition from literary elements.

First of all, I think Voldemort and Professor Dumbledore are the most clear foils in the series. Voldemort embodies all that is cruel, malicious, and evil, while Dumbledore is kind-hearted, and represents good. They are pretty much equal in terms of power, they both have a group of loyal followers - the Death Eaters versus the Order of the Phoenix.

Like Voldemort and Dumbledore are quite similar and yet opposite, the Death Eaters and the Order embody the same qualities as their leaders. The Death Eaters are either cruel or evil people who desire power above all else, or they are weaker wizards forced or tricked into membership. The members of the Order joined voluntarily, and are brave people who will make extreme sacrifces to fight for freedom and good.

Many argue that Harry and Voldemort are foils. However, I think my arguments above that it is V. and Dumbledore are much more compelling, however, I welcome debate.

So who is Harry's foil, you ask? Well, I think it is Draco Malfoy.

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are similar enough (as Dumbledore and Voldemort are) to make their differences meaningful. They are both Slytherin potentials, and reasonably good students. However, while Draco chose Slytherin, Harry chose Gryffindor. Harry is brave, and Malfoy is a coward and a tool. Harry has trouble in the dating department, while Malfoy is popular with the Slytherin girls. Harry comes by his Quidditch position through natural talent, and Malfoy (even though he doesn't stink) bought his way on to the team. They each have two best friends, though like Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle are tools. Like Harry, Ron and Hermione are both smart, brave individuals who think for themselves.

Harry and Malfoy are the perfect character foils, and not just because they hate each other's guts.

Who else do you think are foils?