Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
FOIL CHARACTER: acts as a contrast to another character; often through their personality, actions, or values
Krempe and Waldman are good examples of foil characters. They are the two professors that Victor has when he is at the university of Ingolstadt. Krempe is the professor of natural philosophy. He is a little, squat and uncouth man. Krempe speaks with a gruff voice and has a repulsive countenance. This professor criticizes Victor for having read Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Magnus. Krempe says that Victor has burdened his memory with "exploded systems and useless names" (Shelley 26). He definitely does not hold back any of his criticisms toward Victor. On the exact opposite hand is Waldman. He is the chemistry professor who is short but erect and about fifty years old. He speaks with a sweet voice and Victor found a true friend in him. These two professors serve as motivators for Victor. While Krempe ridiculed him for his ancient studies, Waldman put interest and time into Victor's studies. Waldman is the reason Victor wanted to learn chemistry and gave him the advice that it is better to have knowledge in both philosophy and chemistry. These two men encouraged Victor to succeed in very different ways, but still encouraged him nonetheless.
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