Final answer:
A literary character that embodies the values of his/her culture is known as an archetype, often represented by the hero of the story. The protagonist, while often occupying this role, can also be an antihero. Characters like foils are used to highlight or contrast the main character's traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary character that embodies the values of his/her culture and is generally meant to be looked upon favorably by readers is known as an archetype. These characters often take the form of a hero, like Superman, who is an archetypical hero. The protagonist of a story can often be the hero, but not always, as sometimes the protagonist can be an antihero, which is a character who does not embody traditional heroic values, yet the reader still sympathizes with them. Minor characters such as the foil can serve to highlight traits of the main character by providing contrast. Literature, as a cultural relic, reflects the society from which it originates, often championing its values or illustrating its flaws.