Ward Stradlater

Outer characterization

Ward Stradlater is Holden’s roommate at Pencey and an important character in J. D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye. Physically, he is “pretty handsome” (p. 28), “a very sexy bastard” (p. 34), and has a “pretty heavy beard” (p. 27). Physically, Stradlater is very attractive and sexually active, which frustrates Holden, who has issues with his own sexuality. 

Despite his attractiveness, Stradlater is “more of a secret slob” (p. 28):

He always looked all right, Stradlater, but for instance, you should've seen the razor he shaved himself with. It was always rusty as hell and full of lather and hairs and crap. He never cleaned it or anything. He always looked good when he was finished fixing himself up, but he was a secret slob anyway, if you...