Foibles Meaning: 5 Examples in Literature

The word “foible” refers to a shortcoming, idiosyncrasy, or peculiarity in a person’s character. Originally a French word meaning “weak,” English speakers began using the term in the 1600s as a way to describe the weaker part of a sword blade. Not long after, foible also came to mean minor weaknesses or eccentricity in a person’s behavior in the English language—and it eventually surpassed the original meaning.

In literature, foibles describe the quirks used to help round out and further define a character. Including foibles in writing can help a fictional character feel more true to life and grounded in reality.

There are many notable examples of human foibles seen throughout literature. Some classic foibles are:

1. 1. Immaturity: Alice in Wonderland is a novel about growing up, and the titular character of Alice begins her journey as a childish, innocent young soul whose curiosity and ignorance fuel her. Immaturity is often seen as a negative trait, and in many instances throughout the novel, it is. However, this immaturity is part of Alice’s lack of knowledge about the grown-up world, and despite it being a foible, it ends up being part of what drives her for answers.
2. 2. Stubbornness: In the Harry Potter series, the titular character often believes he is right. This causes him to jump to conclusions and worsen already bad situations. His stubbornness is one of his many foibles, which leads to him occasionally butting heads with other characters.
3. 3. Achilles’ heel: The Achilles’ heel is a notable foible both literally and metaphorically (referencing the only vulnerable part of the Grecian warrior Achilles). According to Greek legend, as a baby, Achilles’s mother, Thetis, held him by the heel and dipped him into the River Styx, giving him invulnerability throughout his whole body—except for his heel, which was eventually hit by an arrow, causing his demise. The Achilles’ heel often serves as a representation of other minor weaknesses. (In many romance novels, “love” is often a character’s Achilles’ heel.)
4. 4. Hubris: Hubris is a popular foible given to many notable characters throughout literature and popular culture, such as in the movie Beauty and the Beast. Gaston believes himself to be the ultimate catch for Belle, though his traits do little to impress her. However, in some cases, a minor imperfection or weak point may evolve into the character’s fatal flaw. One famous example is Oedipus, who was arrogant enough to believe he could control his own fate, eventually leading to fulfilling his destiny of killing his father and marrying his mother.
5. 5. Vanity: Vanity is a foible that comes in many forms throughout literature and film. Whether it’s Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind (1936) or the Evil Queen in Snow White, vanity is a foible that leads particular characters to factor in appearance in many of their decisions and mannerisms. While vanity is not the sole reason for the characters’ downfalls, it certainly plays a role in their emotional arcs.

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