Holden Caulfield
The narrator and protagonist of the novel. At 16 years old, Holden is facing expulsion from Pencey Prep school for failing his studies. He is obviously extremely cynical about nearly every aspect of life and this comes through not just in what he says but also in his tone. He sees nothing but artificial posturing and ugliness in everyone around him, and he finds all of this hypocrisy to be unbearable. For these reasons he advances a cynical attitude in order to protect himself from the world.
Yet, it is equally obvious that Holden’s criticisms of people are just as valid for himself. He hates his own weaknesses. He is often just as superficial as anyone else in the novel. As he is on the edge of adulthood, he seems to attempt to wander into the adult world with a sense of awareness that he does not possess and for which he is really not prepared. All of this leaves Holden in a state of collapse by the end of the novel.
Ackley
Holden’s neighbor in his dorm at Pencey Prep. Ackley is rude and his appearance is unpleasant. He is a major source of annoyance to Holden because he routinely barges into Holden’s room. Holden also suspects that Ackley makes up elaborate lies about sexual experiences; this is a form of pretension which Holden finds revolting.
Stradlater
Holden’s roommate at Pencey. Holden sees Stradlater with a mixture of envy and admiration. Stradlater appears to be good-looking and popular at school. Yet, Holden reveals him to be a “secret slob” because, although his outward appearance is handsome, his grooming habits are slovenly and disgusting. Holden both admires and envies Stradlater’s sexual prowess as a student.
Jane Gallagher
Holden talks about Jane though she never actually appears in the novel. She is important to the extent that she is the one female who Holden is both attracted to and who he respects. Holden spent time with her over the course of one summer while their families stayed in neighboring houses during a vacation in Maine. She represents a form of love and enchantment which otherwise eludes Holden.
Holden’s younger sister. Phoebe is the only character who Holden genuinely loves. She is only ten years old but she listens to Holden in a manner that appears more mature than he. She is intelligent and talented, and her innocence is one of the few things that Holden sees as honest and genuine. Though she is six years younger than Holden, she at times seems to point out Holden’s immaturity as if she were the older sibling. She can see that Holden is his own downfall.
Allie Caulfield
The younger brother of Holden who died of leukemia before the novel begins. He is idealized by Holden as a brilliant and the most intelligent member of their family. Holden seems to be tormented by the death of younger brother and carries a baseball glove that once belonged to him, on which Allie wrote poems in green ink.
D.B. Caulfield
Holden’s older brother. Holden admires the collection of short stories written by his older brother, but now feels that his brother prostitutes himself by writing for Hollywood.
Sally Hayes
An attractive young girl who Holden likes and is attracted to. He has dated her for some time, but he refers to her as being stupid even though she is well-read. She appears to be a conventional girl which Holden finds unappealing.
Mr. Antolini
One of Holden’s former teachers at Elkton Hills School. He is now on the faculty at New York University. A young and affable teacher, he is sympathetic to Holden and Holden respects him. Holden seeks him out for advice.