Character Analysis

Phoebe Caulfield

Holden's younger sister, Phoebe serves both as a representation of the virtues of childhood (honesty, openness) as well as an advisor to him.

D.B. Caulfield

Holden's older brother, D.B. can be seen as an adult corrupted by society. A talented writer, D.B. was seduced by the wealth of Hollywood into writing cheap and corny screenplays.

Mr. Antolini

A former English teacher of Holden's and possible homosexual, Mr. Antolini serves, alongside Phoebe, as an advisor to Holden. It is his wisdom which guides Holden to a more realistic goal (that of fighting falseness rather than the end of childhood) in the end.