Foil

Character Role Analysis

Sirius Black and Sirius Black

Sirius Black is both parts of his own foil pair…and not because he's a dog half the time, either. The contrast comes from what we believe Sirius to be, and who he actually is. As we said when describing him as an antagonist, Sirius is initially portrayed as a cold-blooded killer who'll stop at nothing to destroy Harry Potter.

Except he's almost the opposite. He wants to help Harry, the son of his best friend, James. As Harry's godfather, he wants to protect him the best he can, and act as the father he never had.

However—and this is where it gets interesting—the cold-blooded part still applies. Sirius's still a fugitive, running from both Voldemort and from authorities searching from him after his prison break. Sadly, this means Sirius must be an absentee dad. Sure, Harry gets a broomstick…but he still doesn't get the paternal love he's longing for.