Holden Caulfield is the protagonist and narrator of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. He is a disillusioned teenager struggling with the complexities of adolescence and the adult world. Holden’s narrative is marked by cynicism, sarcasm, and frequent criticism of societal norms, which he refers to as “phoniness.” He has been expelled from multiple prep schools, and throughout the novel, he wanders New York City, seeking meaning and connection in a world he finds increasingly alienating. His deep grief over the death of his younger brother, Allie, and his fears of growing up contribute to his emotional instability. Despite his cynicism, Holden demonstrates a genuine desire to protect innocence, symbolized in his fantasy of being the "catcher in the rye," saving children from falling into the adult world. His journey reflects the struggles of growing up, the pain of loss, and the search for identity.