-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.
- Phoebe Caulfield: Holden's smart kid 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 the quintessential 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 grotesque and odd looking. Also disliked by Holden, the two at least
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, perhaps 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. It is obvious, though,
that he is not.
-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. (There he made sexual advances
on Holden.)
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