Foil

Character Role Analysis

Spitz, Buck

We’d like to stick Spitz in this category, too. Spitz has interesting characteristics that mirror Buck's; they're both ambitious, proud, alpha dogs. Spitz, though, seems more ruthless, and far less endearing. He attacks when Buck is at a clear disadvantage, tired from having just dodged a sick dog.

Buck's also the underdog in their fights with respect to experience and strength, which naturally makes us root for him. We also later find that Buck makes a better leader than Spitz ever could.