Foil

Character Role Analysis

Annie Hall, Alvy

Scatterbrained, well-meaning Annie is the total opposite of cynical, pessimistic Alvy. So when they get together, both of their emotional stocks rise—at least for a while. She loosens and lightens him up, even if he won't jump in headfirst and fully accept it. He encourages her to stick to her singing guns and continue her education.

Ultimately, this backfires for Alvy because he can't accept her success and independence, but Annie does recognize the debt she owes to Alvy for, as she puts it, helping her get in touch with her "feelings and all that crap." In short, as foils, Alvy and Annie bring out the best and the worst in each other.