The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: Foil 2 key examples

Chapter 12 - Slouching Toward Thanksgiving
Explanation and Analysis—Mary's Romance Novels:

Romance novels (and Junior's drawings of them) are a motif in the novel, emphasizing Mary as a foil for Junior. For example, after Mary informs the family that she has run away and gotten married, Junior remarks on her choice:

How weird is that? It’s almost romantic.

And then I realized that my sister was trying to LIVE a romance novel.

Man, that takes courage and imagination. Well, it also took some degree of mental illness, too, but I was suddenly happy for her.

And a little scared.

Chapter 29 - Talking About Turtles
Explanation and Analysis—Rowdy and Penelope:

Rowdy and Penelope both function as character foils for Junior, who triangulates off of the two of them to build his own sense of identity. Rowdy and Junior were born two hours apart at the same hospital, and they have been inseparable ever since. Now that they are teenagers, the small differences between them are growing larger.

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