Characters

Holden Caulfield

The protagonist and narrator of the novel, finds himself upset with the society in which he lives. Throughout the novel he goes on a journey to find himself. Holden is immature although he makes attempts to act as if he is mature. Holden can not accept those who value materialistic items and labels them "phonies." In all, Holden is hypocritical and it is perhaps this trait that causes him to self-destruct.

Allie Caulfield

Allie is Holden's younger brother whom Holden saw as a symbol of innocence. Allie died of Leukemia. This was one of the most traumatic events in Holden's life. One of Holden's most prized possessions is Allie's baseball glove It should be noted that on the night of Allie's death, Holden slept in the garage and broke all the windows with his bare hands, resulting in him being hospitalized during the funeral.

Phoebe Caulfield

Phoebe is Holden's smart kid sister to whom Holden can relate. Holden visits her while in Manhattan, and while with her he decides that he would like to save children like her from becoming phonies. She also later convinces Holden to return home.

D. B. Caulfield

Holden's brother who used to be a serious writer, is now in Hollywood where he is writing for television programs. Holden views his brother as being a phony since he had "sold out" and given up his principles in return for money.

Mrs. Caulfield

She only appears briefly in the novel checking on Phoebe during Holden's secret visit.

Robert Ackley

Robert was Holden's dorm mate at Pency. He is described as being grotesque and odd looking. Although Holden disliked him, they tolerated each other as both were isolated from the other students

Ward Stradlater

Ward was Holden's roommate at Pency. Holden strongly disliked him as he saw him as the quintessential phony, because Stradlater often put up an act in order to keep his image as a "jock" and to impress girls.

Jane Gallagher

Jane is Holden's great love and "almost" girlfriend. Holden did not view her as a phony, perhaps because he knew her when she was younger. She appears to be one of the few people who understands and cares for Holden, and was the only person with whom Holden discussed Allie's death. She is a sensitive and innocent girl and Holden is very upset when he finds out that she is dating Stradlater.

Mr. Antolini

This is Holden's favorite teacher whilst at a former school, Elkton Hills. He is the only adult with whom Holden could talk. He is now an English instructor at New York University, but his behavior towards Holden disturbs Holden greatly, as he perceives a homosexual undercurrent.

Mrs. Antolini

The wealthy, mysterious wife of Antolini, who suffers from asthma, but is somewhat older than her partner.

Carl Luce

Carl is a former acquaintance of Holden whom met at the Whooton School. Being older, he had more sexual experience and used to entertain the younger boys with sex stories and advice. Holden considers Luce to be a deviant and effeminate, but claims to find him amusing.

Sally Hayes

Sally is one of Holden's girlfriends. She is a socialite and attends a well established girls' school. Unlike Jane, Sally's main aim is to be attractive and popular at which she succeeds. Initially Holden is attracted to her beauty and charm, but her hypocrisy and lack of feelings eventually repel him.

Mr. Spencer

He is Holden's history teacher at Pency Prep school. Holden visited him just before he left for Manhattan

Ernie

He is the owner and piano player at the Wicker Bar. He was friendly with Holden's older brother, D.B., and is a perfect example of a phony.

Sunny

She is a prostitute that Holden hires. While in his room, Holden just talks to her, as he is uncomfortable with the idea of sexual intercourse with her.

Maurice

He is Sunny's pimp, who also runs the elevator at the hotel where Holden was staying. He takes advantage of Holden's immaturity to con him out of his money.