Allie's Role in Catcher in the Rye Some authors create characters who appear briefly or not at all, but are a significant presence. Even though he was dead, Allie influenced the action, theme, and development of Holden. The death of Holden's younger brother, Allie, played a major role in Holden's actions. Holden failed to deal with his death and showed it by causing himself physical harm. He did it to escape the pain he felt inside. Holden said Allie was "terribly smart" and the "kindest" person. Because Allie died so young, Holden felt like his innocence had been taken away from him. This led to many of Holden's actions. For example, Holden acted and pretended to be people so he could deal with the pain he felt inside. This caused Holden to condone something he was strongly against as a simple escape from the present. This is a direct result of the conflict that Allie's death has left on Holden. The Catcher in the Rye theme was heavily influenced by Allie. Due to his untimely death, Holden felt his innocence had been stolen. In reaction to this, Holden felt that it was his responsibility to protect the innocence of all children. As a result he developed a job he would have liked to have: "a catcher in the rye." He would stand on the edge of the cliff and catch the children who were about to fall. This meant that if someone was about to lose their innocence, Holden would save them. If it weren't for Allie, Holden would not have felt compelled to act as a protector of innocence. Throughout the novel, Holden repeatedly asks Allie not to let him disappear. Holden felt like he was becoming invisible to the world around him. He had great respect for Allie and knew that if anyone could save him, Allie could. During an accident, Holden calls Allie. This marks his downfall. It is then, thanks to Allie, that he realizes that it is inevitable that he will grow up. Holden is admitted to a psychiatric hospital.