Characters
- Holden Caulfield: The narrator of the novel, finds himself upset with his society. Throughout the novel
he goes on a journey to find himself. Holden is immature although he attempts to act as if he is mature. Holden can not accept
those who value materialistic items and labels them "phonies." Therfore, Holden is hypocritical and that causes him to self-destruct.
- Phoebe Caulfield: Holden's inteligent little sister,
the only person that Holden can relate to. 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, but 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.
-Allie Caulfield: Holden's younger brother. Holden saw
him as a symbol of innocence. Allie died of Leukemia.
-Ward Stradlater: Holden's roommate at Pency. Holden
strongly disliked him as he saw him as a major phony, because Stradlater often put up an act in order to keep his
image as a "jock" and to impress girls.
-Robert Ackley: Holden's dirty dorm mate at Pency. He
is described as being odd looking. The two tolerated each other as both were isolated from the other students.
-Jane Gallagher: Holden's great love and almost girlfriend.
Holden did not view her as a phony, because he knew her when she was younger. He was very upset that she was to go out with
Stradlater. He believed Stradlater would make her a phony too.
-Mr. Spencer: Holden's history teacher at Pency Prep
school. Holden visited him just before he left for Manhattan.
-Sally Hayes: Holden's attractive ex-girlfriend. He
goes on a date with her while he is in Manhattan. This is most likely to illustrate to himself that he was able to carry on
an adult relationship.
-Two Nuns: Holden meets these two at the train station
where they are collecting money. Holden decides that they are only the only adults that have not become phony and therefore
can retain their innocence.
- Ernie: 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: 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: Sunny's pimp, who also runs the elevator at
the hotel Holden was staying in. He takes advantage of Holden's immaturity to con him out of his money.
-Mr. Antolini: Holden's teacher at Elkton Hills. Holden visited
him while in Manhattan and stayed at his apartment.
