FOIL CHARACTERS

Throughout this play, Willy and Biff are foils. They are constantly arguing with each other. Ironically, they are both working to impress each other and seem to keep failing. They are constantly making things up about themselves to build themselves up. Biff's idea of business is suffering and agony. Willy believes that it is the only way to make a prestigious living for his family. Willy also talks about how "Biff is a lazy bum". He thinks that his lack of material success reflects that he is lazy. Really, Biff desires to be outdoors and work hard around a farm. In the next sentence, Willy contradicts himself. He says, "Biff is anything but lazy". This delusion shows how Willy is hopeful that Biff will someday become successful. He is not ready to give into the idea that Biff is not trying to become a salesman like Willy is. Just like Willy is delusional about Biff's future, he is also delusional about his own past. He puts himself on a pedestal and is always bragging about the many achievements that he has had.