Foil

Character Role Analysis

Ferris Bueller and Jeanie Bueller

Like a lot of sibling duos, Ferris and Jeanie are a study in contrasts. He's a lovable charmer and a bit of a con man, who's wildly popular both at school and in his community, as well as doted on at home by Mom and Dad.

Jeanie? Not so much. Jeanie is an easily irritated high school loner who's uptight, a bit misunderstood, searching for justice (especially where her brother's concerned), and scrutinized by her parents. As a sister and brother team, Jeanie highlights what a self-serving manipulator Ferris is, while Ferris just makes Jeanie look like more of a bad-tempered tattletale.