Foil

Character Role Analysis

Martin to Pangloss

Martin, an absolute and total pessimist and a Debbie Downer, embodies a philosophical standpoint opposite to that of Dr. Pangloss.

Like Pangloss, Martin hold an extreme worldview that at times is unfounded in the world around him. Martin functions as a typical foil, highlighting both the strengths (which are limited) and weaknesses (which are extensive) of Pangloss.