Foil

Character Role Analysis

Wilson and Henry Fleming

"The Loud Soldier" is Henry’s foil. His cocky, self-assurance stands in direct contrast to Henry’s fear and weakness. Even though Wilson’s courage and bragadaccio is false, Henry does not realize it. He assumes that Wilson’s bravery is the real thing, up until the moment that Wilson gives him his packet of letters. Wilson and Henry both undergo personality changes thanks to their horrific battle experiences. They then become friends, although they still seem in competition with each other in an unspoken, unacknowledged way.