Marlow and Kurtz, which they spend a great deal of time together, remain an enigma to each other due to their extreme differences. They are so different, in fact, that they are foils of each other. Marlow is, in many ways, a traditional protagonist – he eventually develops to champion the greater good rather than the selfishness of those by whom he is employed. Kurtz, the antagonist, is a direct contrast to Marlow. Conrad portrays him as a static character, unchanging despite his experiences. On multiple occasions, Marlow even calls him “hollow” – this can be interpreted as that he has no soul, conscience, or morals to impede his actions. Marlow is one individual no matter who he encounters, while Kurtz seems to shift his personality based on who he is around. His Intended sees him as a great humanitarian, his cousin thinks of him as an incredible musician, and the journalist finds him to be an amazing politician and leader. Kurtz finds Marlow’s distaste for his brutality confusing and yet, in his final moments, he seems to finally realize Marlow’s point of view as his last words lead the reader to believe he sees “the horror” he has created.
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