What are some ways to approach a character analysis for the novel The Catcher in the Rye?

Because J. D. Salinger’s 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye is narrated by Holden Caulfield, readers see his inner thoughts and emotions. As the narrative unfolds, Holden reveals troubling aspects of his life as he copes with adolescence, sexuality, an uncertain future, the loss of his brother, and possible abuse. With all of these complex issues, it is no wonder that Holden is such a troubled and fragile character who eventually undergoes a mental breakdown.

As Holden tells his story, he frequently displays defensive behaviors that reveal his fragile sense of self. For example, he often tries to boost his own ego and impress his audience by describing himself as a smooth-talking Romeo. He often describes himself as "suave as hell" and "seductive as hell" when interacting with girls, but as the reader, we realize that such bragging is most likely unwarranted when other characters repeatedly comment on his youth and immaturity. Holden is concerned about how others see him and he wants to see himself in a better light too.

Holden's unstable character is also depicted through his fear of intimacy. He displays a wariness of opening up to others. For example, early in the story, Mr. Spencer asks Holden about his school troubles. Instead of taking this opportunity to share his troubles, Holden remains guarded and says, “I didn’t feel like going into the whole thing with [Mr. Spencer]. He wouldn’t have understood it anyway.” Later in the novel, Holden reveals that he was once very close with Jane Gallagher. He had even shown her his brother's baseball mitt. But now, Holden is scared to reconnect with Jane and he never reaches out to her, even though he repeatedly talks about doing so. Such behavior suggests that Holden now fears becoming close to others or being rejected.

Another one of Holden's defensive behaviors is escapism. He tries to physically flee his troubles, such as when he wanders around New York City after flunking out of school instead of going home. He also tries to mentally escape his troubles. For example, after his run in with Maurice, Holden elaborately pretends that he gets into a shooting match with the man where he came out victorious. Such pretending allows Holden to escape his feelings of cowardice and confusion while boosting his self-esteem. This fiction also helps Holden to feel more in control of his downward-spiraling life. 

These examples show Holden to be a troubled young man who struggles with insecurities and a fragile well-being. Though he tries to come across as tough and mature, we readers come to know a more vulnerable and uncertain Holden.