Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Holden Caulfield is the protagonist and narrator of J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye. He is a disillusioned teenager struggling with identity, alienation, and societal expectations.
Related terms
Coming-of-Age Novel: A genre of literature that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a young protagonist as they transition into adulthood.
Alienation: The feeling of being disconnected or isolated from society, often experienced by characters who don't fit societal norms.
A narrative technique that presents thoughts and feelings in a continuous flow, reflecting the inner workings of a character's mind, as seen in Holden Caulfield's narration.