Foil

Character Role Analysis

Mr. Benedict/Ledroptha

It's hard to believe these guys are identical twins, because identical or not, twins—or even just siblings—tend to have one or two things in common beyond their physical appearance. And while Mr. B and Mr. C are both geniuses with narcolepsy, and they both take interest in brain research… that's it—the end of their similarities. Are you ready for their differences? Okay, here we go.

• Mr. B is kind and compassionate; Mr. C is cold and unfeeling.
• Mr. B loves children and believes they deserve respect; Mr. C finds children annoying and believes they deserve to be used as test subjects.
• Mr. B enjoys working with others and believes everyone has something important to offer. Mr. C prefers to work alone and believes that beyond flattery and admiration, others have nothing useful to offer.
• Mr. B's house is full of books that are easily accessible; Mr. C keeps his books in a locked cabinet.
• Mr. B has a potted violet. Mr. C has an artificial one.
• Mr. B is patient. Mr. C hates waiting.
• Mr. B allows people to see his vulnerabilities (his narcolepsy, his emotions). Mr. C straps himself into a chair and wears dark glasses so no one will notice if he loses control for so much as a second.

Phew. After reading that list, you know what else we think is crazy? That these guys are only one letter apart in the alphabet—we think they should be Mr. A and Mr. Z.