Bernard embodies everything that Biff is not and is considered his foil throughout the play Death of a Salesman. As an adolescent, Biff was a popular athlete who took advantage of certain privileges and was taught that being well-liked superseded hard work and other honorable character traits. In contrast, Bernard was an intellectual child who focused on his academics and enrolled in college. Later on in life, Biff turns out to be an unsuccessful man without a job or a relationship. Biff's lack of character negatively impacts the trajectory of his life, and he is unable to live up to his father's standards. In contrast, Bernard develops into a successful lawyer who is given the opportunity to present a case in front of the Supreme Court. Bernard's hard work, dedication, and integrity lead to his success, while Biff's selfish, arrogant personality results in his failure to establish a stable, admirable life.