Ward Stradlater Character Analysis

Stradlater is Holden’s roommate at Pencey Prep. A popular and good-looking young man, Stradlater is confident but kind. Although Holden recognizes that his roommate is rather conceited, he also knows that Stradlater is the sort of person who would give another student his own tie if that student complimented it. Holden’s neighbor, Ackley, on the other hand, can’t stand Stradlater because he thinks he’s a pompous jerk. And though Holden disagrees at first, he can’t help but see Ackley’s point when he learns that Stradlater is going on a date with Jane Gallagher. Beside himself, Holden talks at length about Jane as Stradlater prepares for the date, but Stradlater doesn’t seem to care about any of the quirky little details Holden mentions about Jane’s personality. Rather, Holden can sense that Stradlater is only interested in having sex with Jane—an idea that sets Holden on edge. When Stradlater returns from his date and refuses to tell Holden everything that happened, Holden picks a fight with him. Because Stradlater is much bigger, he easily wins, though this doesn’t stop Holden from persisting in calling him a “moron.” It is this fight that finally inspires Holden to leave Pencey once and for all, setting off for New York City in the middle of the night.