Foil

Character Role Analysis

Gawain, Arthur

Gawain, who later ends up speaking for Arthur when he's an old man who's too tired to deal, is the opposite who emphasizes Arthur's traits by contrast. Where Gawain has blood family but no "true" family, Arthur has "true" family while being ignorant of his blood ties. Where Arthur has a kind mentor and tutor (so he gets a real education), Gawain only has the drunken St. Toirdealbhach, and a cold mother who just doesn't have time for him. Where Arthur is kind, generous, and caring, Gawain is given to extreme fits of temper, and has even killed some people when in a blind rage.