Did you know that a foil is a character in literature who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, in order to highlight particular qualities of the other character? This technique is often used to emphasize certain traits or themes in a story. In Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio serves as a foil to Romeo. While Romeo is impulsive and romantic, Mercutio is witty and cynical. By contrasting these two characters, Shakespeare is able to explore different aspects of love, friendship, and loyalty. Another common literary term is irony, which is the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal meaning. For example, in George Orwell's novel Animal Farm, the phrase All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others is a perfect example of irony, as it highlights the hypocrisy of the pigs in the story. Literary terms like foil and irony are essential tools for writers to create depth and complexity in their works. By understanding and recognizing these terms, readers can uncover deeper meanings and appreciate the nuances of literature. How many other literary terms can you identify in your favorite books?