Foil

Character Role Analysis

Elliott and E.T.

Elliott and E.T. share a connection stronger than all of the friendship bracelets in the world combined and wrapped in duct tape. They're cosmically bonded, dude! They may communicate in broken English, pointed fingers, and some pretty crazy facial expressions, but that doesn't matter.

Elliott physically and emotionally feels what E.T. feels. When E.T. gets drunk, so does Elliott. When E.T. gets sick, so does Elliott. And when E.T. recognizes that, however painful, the best thing for him is to leave Elliott, so does Elliott. Their similarities enhance the best qualities of both boy and alien: compassion, loyalty, and adventure.