Foil
Character Role Analysis
Karl and Marti
Marti is the kind of friend who brings out the best in you, but it isn't always a painless process. For Karl, Marti is the one who illuminates the futility and downright stupidity of Operation Be Normal. It really hurts, but nonetheless, Marti is the character who shoves her way into Karl's shell and drags him out, even though he's kicking and screaming a lot of the time. Life is as hard for her as it is for him, but instead of trying to masquerade as someone she isn't, Marti lets her freak flag fly. Largely because of her influence, the Madmen come out as friends in public, and Karl decides that if you can't beat them, you have to join them.