* Foil Characters: In drama, a foil character is a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight that character's traits. Foils can be used in any genre, including tragedy.
* Comic Relief: Elizabethan tragedies often feature characters or scenes that provide comic relief, even within a serious context. These moments are intended to break the tension and give the audience a brief respite from the tragic events unfolding.
* The Nature of Elizabethan Tragedy: Elizabethan tragedies are typically focused on serious themes like fate, ambition, morality, and the nature of justice. The overall tone is somber and often ends in death and destruction.
Therefore, while there may be characters in Elizabethan tragedies who exhibit comedic qualities, they are not typically referred to as "comic foils" as this term is more associated with contrasting characters in a play.
Instead, the focus in Elizabethan tragedy is on the dramatic and emotional impact of the tragic events, and the comedic moments are often used to highlight the seriousness of the situation through contrast.