motstycke

Motstycke is a Swedish term used in literary analysis and art criticism to denote a counterpart or foil: an element—often a character, but also a scene, motif, or object—that is deliberately placed in contrast to another to illuminate its qualities or themes. The word combines mot (against, counter) and stycke (piece, section). In practice, a motstycke serves to mirror, balance, or highlight differences with the primary subject, without necessarily being a direct opponent.

In practice, a motstycke may appear as a character whose traits illuminate the protagonist by contrast, such as a carefree friend emphasizing the protagonist’s seriousness. It can also refer to a contrasting motif or a visual element in a work of art, used to create emphasis through juxtaposition. The concept is broader than a simple antagonist and is not tied to a single form of opposition; it functions as counterpoint that deepens understanding of the main subject.

Usage of the term varies by discipline and is more common in critical writing than in everyday language. In some contexts, motstycke is closely aligned with the English term foil, while in others it is understood as a general counterpart or counterpoint in a composition.

See also: foil (literary device), foil character, contrast, juxtaposition.