Foil

Character Role Analysis

Forrest/Lieutenant Dan

Forrest is about the least cynical person you'll ever meet, while legless Lt. Dan is just the opposite. Forrest believes in being kind to people, while Lt. Dan believes in blowing off your enemy's head. Forrest believes in chance, and Lt. Dan believes in destiny.

So, it's no wonder Lt. Dan spends a lot of time hating on Forrest after Forrest refuses Lt. Dan's wish to die on the battlefield. Eventually, though, Lt. Dan overcomes his cynicism and rediscovers his faith in one of the movie's most inspiring scenes. And, it doesn't hurt that Lt. Dan gets mega rich in the process.