In E.T., the boy who befriends the alien is Elliott. Played by Henry Thomas, Elliott is a lonely 10-year-old living with his mother, older brother Michael, and younger sister Gertie in suburban California.
Elliott first encounters the stranded extraterrestrial in a backyard shed. He lures the frightened creature back with Reese's Pieces, hides him at home, and gives him the simple name “E.T.” The two gradually form an extraordinary bond, sharing emotions and even physical sensations through a mysterious connection.
The friendship drives the film’s central story. Elliott and his family help E.T. build a device to contact his people, while government agents search for him. Elliott’s relationship with the alien also gives the film its themes of childhood loneliness, empathy, family, and saying goodbye.
A common mix-up is confusing Elliott with Michael, his older brother, or Gertie, his younger sister. Steven is also a misleading option because Steven Spielberg directed the 1982 film, while Greg and Steve are minor characters connected to Michael’s friends.