Catcher in the Rye Character Flashcards

Holden Caulfield: Protagonist and narrator, shares his cynical outlook and feelings of alienation.
Ackley: Holden's annoying neighbor, known for poor hygiene and lack of social awareness.
Stradlater: Holden's charming and self-centered roommate, often engages in superficial relationships.
Phoebe Caulfield: Holden's beloved younger sister, perceptive and affectionate; represents innocence.
Allie Caulfield: Holden's deceased younger brother; symbolizes loss and innocence, known for his intelligence and creativity.
D.B. Caulfield: Holden's older brother, a writer whom Holden believes has compromised his talents for Hollywood.

Sally Hayes: Holden's acquaintance and past romantic interest.
Mr. Spencer: Holden's history teacher who attempts to motivate him academically.
Carl Luce: Holden's older friend with sexual experience; he acts as a mentor figure.
Mr. Antolini: Holden's former English teacher, seen as intelligent and respectful, adds complexity to Holden's feelings about authority.
Maurice: The elevator operator at the Edmont Hotel; involved in Holden's uncomfortable encounter with a prostitute.
Sunny: The prostitute hired by Holden, represents Holden's struggles with intimacy and connection.

Selma Thurmer: The headmaster's daughter; embodies ordinary life at Pencey while being unremarkable in appearance.
Robert Tichner & Paul Campbell: Holden's friends who engage in casual sports activities.
Mr. & Mrs. Caulfield: Holden’s parents, depicted as caring yet troubled by Allie's death.
Mr. Haas: The phony headmaster of Elkton School, symbolizes Holden's disdain for insincerity.
Ossenburger: Wealthy Pencey alumnus whose speech exemplifies phoniness in society.

James Castle: Classmate whose tragic death deeply impacts Holden, symbolizing bullying and loss.
Central Park Ducks: Recurring symbol of change and uncertainty in Holden’s life.
Holden's Alienation: Central to the narrative, expressing conflict with societal norms and expectations.
Loss of Innocence: Reflected through characters like Phoebe and Allie, highlighting Holden's desire to protect purity.

Mrs. Morrow: An attractive woman met on a train; Holden lies to her, revealing his propensity to create false narratives to cope with reality.
Psychoanalyst Guy: Represents authority figures in Holden's life, challenging his motivations and mental state.
Diverse Encounters: From a family on Broadway to girls in the Lavender Room, these moments illustrate Holden's relationships and his struggle with understanding himself and others.

Metropolitan Museum Characters: Represents childhood innocence as they skip school, symbolizing Holden's longing for simpler times.
Edmont Hotel Events: Encounters at the hotel highlight Holden's isolation and confusion in adult relationships.

Complex Characters: Each character embodies different facets of Holden's journey and societal critique.
Life Challenges: The narrative addresses themes of mental health, loss, and the quest for identity amidst external pressures.