Foil

Character Role Analysis

The Guy on the Beach with the Jacket

This guy can serve as the spokesperson for all the other tourists lounging around on the beach. When the guy on the beach with the jacket shows up, it's a pretty big deal. Of course, the men immediately assume they're going to be rescued, but even more importantly, it's the first time we see how they react to someone not on the boat.

Throughout the story, we've been told about the beautiful sense of brotherhood that has grown among the men on the boat, and we might assume this would extend to all humanity everywhere. Maybe this experience will make them feel closer to and more trusting of everyone they meet from here on out. But then we hear their response to this guy once he doesn't rescue them—"he's an idiot" (4.75). It's clear they most certainly do not see him as part of their clique. No, you can't float with us.