JD Salinger published Catcher in The Rye in 1951. The main protagonist of the novel, Holden Caulfield experiences many conflicts and difficulties. It is common for Holden to have opinions about characters throughout the book. His opinionated nature shows that human interactions mean a lot to him. Holden generally likes authentic people over fake people. The comparison between genuine and false is shown throughout the novel, especially when Holden meets new people. His true personality is shown to the reader when we see who he respects and who he despises. Holden's relationship with the members of his dorm while at Pencey Prep shows how Holden recognizes authentic people, while ignoring or delegitimizing people he deems false. Ward Stradlater is one of Holden's colleagues at Pencey Prep and Holden and they meet often. After Stradlater has a date with Holden's old friend, Holden questions Stradlater. Holden asked Stradlater “(Did you) give her time in Ed Banky's damn car? Stradlater replies “That's a professional secret, man” (Salinger 43). It becomes apparent that Stradlater has engaged in moral peccadilloes with the girl and Holden becomes angry as a result. This episode of upset also had to do with the fact that Stradlater had not been truthful about his indiscretions. Holden perceives Stradlater's actions as somehow evasive of the truth, which is an ingredient for being false. This whole scenario with Stradlater shows that Holden considers honesty in people, which is very ironic due to some of Holden's actions in the book. Holden to some extent expects the people around him to be totally frank and approachable, while he shields himself from the reality within his life… middle of paper… honesty and authenticity. The idea of ​​being kind without being fake appeals to Holden. He feels that people can be kind, without being tarnished or hypocritical. Being a bully seems very false to Holden, as does living a hypocritical life. It seems very ironic that Holden despises the very things that happen in his life. However, it is not surprising that Holden sees Allie as representing what he likes, simply because Allie is innocent. Stradlater and Ossenburger have lived their lives and made decisions that Holden doesn't agree with or don't like. When we put the characters together, we gain a good understanding of Holden's psyche. Not only do we see that he likes certain personality traits, but he sees people as fake or false. Works Cited Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.