Foil

Character Role Analysis

Isabel and Curzon

Isabel and Curzon have a lot in common. Both are outspoken, individualistic, and refuse to be denied their humanity. Nonetheless, in Isabel's darkest moments of hopelessness, it's Curzon who becomes the strong one in their relationship.

For example, in the aftermath of her branding and the selling of Ruth, Isabel gives Curzon the silent treatment because his plan to have her spy for the Americans didn't go over so well. Curzon, though, continues to come to the Locktons' every day and tries to encourage her to keep on keeping on—even when Madam threatens to arrest him. "We all have scars" (23.56), he explains to her.

Curzon is so consistently loyal and comforting in the face of Isabel's anger that she doesn't realize how much he's helped her until his life is in jeopardy in prison. While it takes her some time to figure it out, Isabel needs Curzon's persistence in order to accomplish her purpose.