Foil

Character Role Analysis

Mary Alice Dowdel and Carleen Lovejoy

Mary Alice does not get along with the most popular girl in school, the rich and snobby Carleen Lovejoy—most likely because the girls have a completely different approach to life. While Mary Alice is preoccupied with taking care of her grandmother and nurturing her budding interest in journalism, Carleen is self-absorbed and superficial, focusing all of her attention on her outward appearance and social position.

Their differences come into sharp focus when they both go after Royce McNabb. Carleen relies on her status as top dog to intimidate and eliminate her competition while Mary Alice works to forge a genuine connection. It's no shock to us, as readers, when Mary Alice's approach proves more effective.