Raymond Sintès Character Analysis in The Stranger

Meursault's neighbor who adopts Meursault as a friend by enlisting him to help sort out a conflict with his mistress. Though exposed in court as a pimp, Raymond is cagey about his profession and tends to talk around the truth or to lie outright in order to present himself in the best light, showing a concern for public opinion that's at odds with Meursault's perennial honesty and disregard for social reputation.

Raymond Sintès Character Timeline in The Stranger

The timeline below shows where the character Raymond Sintès appears in The Stranger. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Another neighbor, Raymond Sintès, appears and invites Meursault to dinner. Though Raymond is unpopular with others and has... (full context)

Raymond wants further revenge on his mistress, even though he still has "sexual feelings for her."... (full context)

They hear a woman screaming and being beaten in Raymond's apartment. When Marie asks Meursault to get the police, Meursault tells her he doesn't like... (full context)

Later, Raymond tells Meursault he knows all about cops and that the cop can't change the fact... (full context)

Raymond calls Meursault at the office and tells him his friend has invited Meursault to his... (full context)

Sunday morning, Meursault, Marie, and Raymond set out for the beach as planned. Meursault notes that he testified at the police... (full context)

Importance of Physical Experience Theme Icon

They ride to the outskirts of Algiers where Raymond's friend, Masson, has a bungalow with the Parisienne, his wife. Marie and the Parisienne laugh... (full context)

After a wine-heavy lunch, Meursault, Raymond, and Masson take a walk on the beach. In the midday heat, "the glare on... (full context)

When the two groups meet, the Arab men stop walking and Raymond goes up to the one he recognizes and says something that Meursault can't make out.... (full context)

After being bandaged, Raymond insists on going back down to the beach, carrying a concealed gun. Meursault follows. They... (full context)

Meaninglessness of Life and the Absurd Theme Icon

Chance and Interchangeability Theme Icon

...the spring, Meursault is "a little surprised" to see that the Arab man who is Raymond's enemy has returned and thinks, "as far as I was concerned, the whole thing was... (full context)

...courtroom, reporters recording everything. The witnesses are called and the director, the caretaker, Thomas Pérez, Raymond, Masson, Salamano, and Marie "stand up" from the "shapeless mass of spectators…only to disappear." Meursault... (full context)

The defense calls witnesses: Céleste, Marie, Masson, Salamano, and Raymond. Céleste calls Meursault "'a friend'" and has prepared a long-winded defense, blaming the crime on... (full context)

...and Salamano's subsequent testimony on Meursault's honesty and kindness is largely ignored. The prosecutor exposes Raymond as a pimp, cites Meursault's involvement writing the letter and serving as witness to the... (full context)

...this criminal soul." He reminds the court of Meursault's "insensitivity" towards Maman and association with Raymond. Meursault finds his argument "plausible," and privately agrees he has no remorse. Yet he wishes... (full context)