Foil

Character Role Analysis

Lonnie and Lily Samson

From the time they were kids, Lonnie's and Lily's roles have been clearly perceptible. Lily's "the sensible one" (2.1), while Lonnie's the late bloomer; while he's off trying out different majors like college is a lunch buffet, she's basically running the house.

At the same time, though, despite their differences, Lily really does love her brother, even if she has a somewhat selfish way of showing it—and vice versa. Check out the part where Lonnie calls Lily for help cleaning his room so he can impress Clara. Not exactly a hey, I miss you kind of call, but it shows respect nonetheless and appreciation. On the flip side, Lily's main motivation is trying to soften Lonnie up so he'll make up with Pop—but she also knows when she's needed, and helps without missing a beat.

Are these two siblings different? Yup. And we understand them both better because of their differences; they illuminate each other, if you will. At the same time, though, the readiness with which they come together lets us know that, when it comes down to it, these two will set their differences aside in order to come together.