Foil

Character Role Analysis

Francesco and Carlo

Francesco and Carlo are about as opposite as brothers can be. Francesco is tough and headstrong, irrational and emotional, while Carlo is calm, peaceful, reasonable, and supportive. Through their differences, we understand each brother better. In general, Carlo helps us recognize how easily Francesco gets angry about things, and his lack of consideration for the consequences of his actions. But toward the end, after Dr. Hodge kills Francesco's favorite goat, Francesco's quiet sadness amplifies Carlo's overly emotional response. Because of this, we understand that what it takes to rile Carlo up is hurting a member of his family.