This lesson plan helps students analyze the major characters in *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger using a visual character map.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 9–11 · Time: 45–60 minutes
Major characters
Holden Caulfield
- Role: Protagonist / narrator
- Traits: Cynical, sensitive, judgmental, grieving, intelligent
- Motivation: Protecting innocence, finding genuine connection
- Development: Moves from isolation toward a tentative acceptance of change
Phoebe Caulfield
- Role: Moral anchor
- Traits: Smart, compassionate, perceptive, mature
- Motivation: Helping Holden, being understood
- Development: Challenges Holden's refusal to grow up
Allie Caulfield
- Role: Lost innocence
- Traits: Kind, brilliant, gentle (remembered)
- Motivation: N/A — he is dead
- Development: His death is the source of Holden's unresolved grief
Stradlater
- Role: Foil to Holden
- Traits: Handsome, athletic, "phony," experienced
- Motivation: Social success, girls
- Development: Represents the adult world Holden despises
Ackley
- Role: Social outcast
- Traits: Unhygienic, insecure, lonely, earnest
- Motivation: Belonging, friendship
- Development: Another example of Holden's complicated view of people
Activity: Character map storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator
- Choose 3 characters from above
- For each character, create panels showing traits, motivations and key moments
- Export PDF or share a live link