Character Overview in The Catcher in the Rye

Character Overview in "The Catcher in the Rye"

• Holden Caulfield

  • Protagonist and narrator of the story.

• Allie Caulfield

  • Holden's younger brother who died of leukemia; deeply affects Holden.
  • Described as brilliant and friendly; characterized by his red hair and love for poetry.

• D.B. Caulfield

  • Holden's older brother; admired short story writer, but criticized for writing screenplays in Hollywood.

• Sally Hayes

  • An attractive girl with whom Holden has a complicated relationship; intelligent but viewed as conventional by Holden.

• Jane Gallagher

  • A significant figure in Holden's life; represents respect and attraction; never appears in the narrative, highlighting her importance.

• Stradlater

  • Holden's well-groomed, popular roommate who is seen as a "secret slob" due to unclean habits.

• Phoebe Caulfield

  • Holden's ten-year-old sister; symbol of innocence and understanding, providing joy amidst Holden's turmoil.

• Maurice

  • Elevator operator at the Edmont Hotel; involved in procuring a prostitute for Holden.

• Sunny

  • The prostitute that Holden hires; represents Holden's awkward attempts to connect with women.

• Ackley

  • Holden's dorm neighbor; characterized by poor hygiene and annoying habits, yet relies on Holden's company.

• Mr. Spencer

  • Holden's old history teacher; represents failed attempts to inspire Holden academically.

• Mr. Antolini

  • Holden's former English teacher; young and supportive but struggles with alcoholism.

• Carl Luce

  • Holden's older friend with a wealth of sexual experience; advises Holden during a night out.

• Dr. Thurmer

  • Headmaster of Pencey Prep; expelled Holden, provides advice that "life is a game."

• Selma Thurmer

  • Daughter of Dr. Thurmer; Holden finds her likable despite her lack of attractiveness.

• Ossenburger

  • Wealthy benefactor of Pencey Prep; his phony religious speech further cements Holden's disdain for inauthenticity.

• Ernest Morrow

  • Classmate Holden describes negatively; contrasts Holden's lies about him to his mother.

• Mrs. Morrow

  • Attractive mother of Ernest; Holden lies to her on a train to protect her feelings.

• Rudolf Schmidt

  • Janitor at Pencey; Holden uses his name to deflect during conversations.

• Faith Cavendish

  • A prostitute Holden contacts based on a friend's referral; she does not meet him that night.

• Bernice, Marty, Laverne

  • Women from the Lavender Room; symbolize Holden's frustrating social interactions.

• James Castle

  • Teased student who commits suicide; represents the theme of bullying and isolation.

• Lillian and The Navy Guy

  • Portray the superficial relationships Holden observes; highlight his feelings of alienation.

• Robert Kinsella

  • Classmate known for digressing in conversations; Holden appreciates his tendency to stray from topic.

• Mr. Vinson

  • Oral Expression teacher whom Holden dislikes; represents his academic struggles.

• Jimmy Valentine

  • A character in a story told by characters in the novel, showing the type of narratives Holden finds amusing.

Themes and Concepts

• Isolation and Loneliness

  • Many characters represent aspects of Holden's struggle with connection and understanding.

• Innocence vs. Phoniness

  • Key figures like Phoebe symbolize innocence, contrasting with the often pretentious adults in Holden's life.

• Grief and Trauma

  • Allie's death looms large, affecting Holden's mental state and interactions with others.

• Search for Identity

  • Holden's relationships and critiques reveal his inner search for authenticity in a world he perceives as inauthentic.