In Friedrich Schiller's play The Robbers, the central characters of Karl and Franz Moor display opposing traits: while Karl is impulsive and passionate, Franz is calculating and manipulative.

Karl, the younger of the brothers, is an idealist and romantic who is impulsive and short tempered. He desires to rebel against the established order and has a strong sense of justice, primarily motivated by the need to avenge himself against his father. He does not consider the consequences of his actions and risks everything to achieve his goals.

Franz, the older brother, conversely displays a more realistic and calculating approach. He is cunning to the point of being manipulative and uses intelligence to achieve his goals. Unlike his brother, he is motivated by ambition and is willing to use any means necessary to get what he wants. He plays the role of a loyal son but secretly plots against his family, including his brother Karl.

The brothers can be read as representatives of idealism and pragmatism. Karl is the archetypical romantic hero, while Franz borders on being a villain.