Starting to think this story might want to get written, after all. And it's mostly because of Prep exercises. There's a reason I support this exercise every year, even if I don't always participate, or I give up: It works. (The times I gave up were on ME, not the Prep.)

Today's exercise caused me to think about foils. Character foils, not aluminum foil or fencing swords - though I think those will figure into this story as well. Someone who's different enough from the MC, yet in the same situation, so as to better convey the MC's personality. Also, someone who's not necessarily an antagonist, but who provides contrast to the main character and resistance for them to act upon.

This isn't something I've ever consciously done before in a story, incidentally. I'm sure I've done it, but I've never *set out* to do it. So time will tell if it works.