Character Sketch of Holden Caulfield From the first moment Holden Caulfield speaks in The Catcher in the Rye, he makes his personality obvious. While he is witty, passionate and honest, he is also troubled and lonely. Holden longs to find his place in the world and connect with other people. Ironically, however, his search for belonging leaves him more confused than ever. Consequently, he develops a psychological condition that can easily be considered a result of his fear and critique of growing up.Holden Caulfield was one of a kind. Everything about him from his physical appearance, to his personality, to his actions was unique. His diversity set him apart from the rest of the crowd. Holden’s appearance was not very different. He was the typical 16-year-old boy. He explains his age by stating “I was sixteen he (Ackley) was eighteen”(21). He was about 6’2” tall and had a crew cut. He had gray hair only on the right side of his head, which would be his one unique physical characteristic. His personality was very unique however. “I am the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life”(16) was how he explained himself. He would lie even if he didn’t have to. “If I’m on my way to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I’m going, I’m liable to say I’m going to the opera”(16) was one example of Holden in yet another unnecessary lie. Holden was definitely not someone that you could depend on. Holden’s actions were also peculiar. He would always act like a tough guy but he really was very scared. The incident with Maurice the pimp and Sunny the Prostitute is one example. He is very nervous about having a prostitute but he tries to act normal about it. From the time Maurice asks him if he’s “innarested in a little tail t’night?”(91) he feels uncomfortable but he still gets the prostitute. He then tries to act tough when M...
