Foil

Character Role Analysis

Sylvia Saldívar and Phyllis Lopez

Sylvia and Phyllis both serve as foils for Rachel. They are the same age as Rachel, but they manage to do what Rachel can't and speak up. Sylvia speaks first and convinces Mrs. Price that the sweater belongs to Rachel. This starts the conflict between Rachel and Mrs. Price. Phyllis speaks last when she admits the sweater is hers, and this ends the conflict.

In both cases, the two young girls use their voices to exhibit a power to act that is lost to Rachel. Although we receive plenty of thoughts from Rachel, she cannot speak to Mrs. Price. She stammers and is at a loss for words. Unlike Sylvia and Phyllis, Rachel lacks the ability to talk aloud, meaning she lacks the power to impact the conflict between her and Mrs. Price.