Foil

Character Role Analysis

The Vicomte de Valmont and the Chevalier Danceny

In terms of self-control and overall maturity, Valmont and Danceny couldn't be further apart. Valmont is cold and calculating, and Danceny's emotional and impulsive. But they're both manipulative guys. Both use the same control technique when writing to the women they want: they blame their beloved for the torment they feel. The difference is that Valmont blames Madame de Tourvel for his suffering as a deliberate means of manipulation. Danceny, we sense, doesn't realize how he's affecting Cécile when he accuses her of not loving him as he thinks she should. The ardent young lover and the confident, calculating pursuer are perfect foils.