Characters in The Catcher in the Rye Essay

Literature is a complex realm of expressive writings with an infinite number of possibilities, interpretations, and connections. In part, literature is meant to express a particular idea, opinion, or story. However all authors, being human, possess certain characteristics present in the vast majority of society. These qualities are reflected in the literature and are indicative of the true nature of humans. One quality in particular that is inevitably present in every literary work and that says a great deal about mans capability to show selfless compassion towards another, is that of the contrasting characterization and character development of the protagonist versus the minor characters. In practically every work, there are minor and secondary characters who are either intentionally or unintentionally victimized by the struggles and successes of the main protagonists and are underappreciated by the characters, the author, and the readers. For example in The Catcher in the Rye and Annabelle Lee, the protagonists, Holden and the speaker, act with complete disregard to the emotions and struggles of the others around them Furthermore the fact that the authors fail to address the inner-most struggles of the minute characters as they attempt to deal with the destructive behavior of the protagonists displays the way people tend to overlook the problems of those they consider to be insignificant. Literature reflects the real world through its use of the main protagonist versus the minor secondary characters; this reveals that minor characters or others are often overlooked and underappreciated by the protagonist or the self.

The struggles of the minor characters in a piece of literature are not even taken into consideration by protagonist of a work. To the protagonists these minute characters are not entitled to having a reaction to his or her choices. A great example of this is in Catcher in the Rye, how Holden does not regard the fact that his parents would be devastated that their son got thrown out of yet another school and is developing an extreme case of alcoholism as well as depression. Instead he simply mentions that his parents would be disappointed and he would be punished. The readers first impression of Holdens parents is that they are distant and not active in their sons life. However, the reader is never really exposed to an objective presentation of their influence in the lives of their children.

Despite the nature of the relationship between said minor character and the protagonist, the actions of the protagonist will affect them in some way. With each unique relationship there is a unique response to the different events. For example Pheobe from The Catcher in the Rye, loves her older brother Holden very much and in some ways she emulates him. However, she is well aware that her brother is struggling emotionally and physically with depression and alcoholism. This puts Pheobe in and uncomfortable position of trying to decide what is righthelping her brother avoid more trouble at the expense of herself or refusing to aid him in his process of self-destruction and force him into confrontation even it will be unpleasant for him at the risk of being accused of betrayal . Holden does not even realize the horrid position he put his little sister through. Everyone around him is going to have a different reaction to this self-destructive behavior. This concept is never fully addressed. Similarly, it is very rare that an individual is able to accept the idea that they are affecting everyone around them and selflessly base their actions on what is best solely for those around them even on one occasion.

It is impossible for an author to fully explain the feelings, emotions, reactions, and struggles of every character mentioned after every single action is made. Likewise it is impossible for a single individual to grasp the concept of their influence on others and use that to eliminate the struggles they cause the people around them.