Comparative Characterization is done in many ways. Comparative Characterization is nothing but characterizing a character by comparing that character with another. Contrastive Comparative Characterization is nothing but characterizing a character by comparing that character with a contrast character. Moreover, Complementary Comparative Characterization is chracterizing a character by comparing that chartcer with a complementary character (not contrast).
For example, in David's story Contrastive Comparative Charaterization is evident as Saul is compared with David in a contrastive manner. Samuel is compared contrastively with Eli's sons. However, in Complementary Comparative Characterization a complementary character will be compared with the character in concern for characterization. While Saul contrasted David, Jonathan, the son of Saul complemented in the characterization of David as the good guy. Likewise, in Luke, John the Baptist is compared with Jesus in the Infancy Narratives positively as The Baptist contributes and complements to the characterization of Jesus. As he is the anointed one of God Jesus is also characterized as the anointed one of God with this comparison. Therefore, Comparative Charaterization can be done in a contrastive way and also in a complementary way.
As I read Plutarch's Lives I realize that there is another way this comparative characterization could be done. In a narrative where one character is prioritised over the other(s) comparative characterization could be contrastive or complementary. In both characterization one character functions as the foil to the character in concern by being in contrast or in complementary fashion. But when both the characters are characters of concern there is a possibility that both characters could function as a foil to the other. This I call as Mutual Foiling Comparative Charaterization. This is quite unique in Plutarch's Lives. Theseus and Romulus are compared as the first pair in his Lives as both function as a foil for the characterization of the other. Theseus the one who founded Athens is compared with Romulus the one who founded Rome. No one character is prioritised over the other (at least explicitly). However, similarities and differences between both characters are brought out for the characterization of each and the other. This way both these characters mutually function as a foil to the other. This is called as Mutual Foiling Comparative Charaterization.
