Holden Caulfield: The protagonist and narrator, a 16-year-old who’s just been expelled from Pencey Prep. He’s cynical, sensitive, and wandering through New York City, wrestling with his disillusionment about the adult world and his own identity.

Phoebe Caulfield: Holden’s younger sister, around 10 years old. She’s bright, affectionate, and one of the few people Holden genuinely connects with. She represents innocence and authenticity to him.

Allie Caulfield: Holden’s younger brother who died of leukemia a few years before the story. Though he doesn’t appear directly, his death deeply affects Holden, and he’s often on Holden’s mind.

D.B. Caulfield: Holden’s older brother, a writer who’s now working in Hollywood. Holden admires him but disapproves of his "selling out" to the film industry.

Sally Hayes: A girl Holden dates briefly in the story. She’s pretty and conventional, but Holden finds her shallow and gets frustrated with her during their outing.

Jane Gallagher: A girl Holden remembers fondly from a past summer. She never appears in the present narrative, but she’s significant as someone he feels a real connection to, contrasting with his usual alienation.

Mr. Antolini: A former English teacher of Holden’s who offers him advice and a place to crash. He’s one of the few adults Holden respects, though their interaction ends awkwardly.

Ackley: Holden’s annoying dorm neighbor at Pencey. He’s unhygienic and socially clueless, but Holden tolerates him, maybe out of pity.

Stradlater: Holden’s roommate at Pencey, a good-looking, confident guy who’s also kind of a jerk. His date with Jane triggers some of Holden’s jealousy and anger.

Sunny: A young prostitute Holden hires in a moment of loneliness, though he doesn’t go through with anything. She’s more a sad figure than a romantic one in his eyes.