Meursault is a man who is on his own in the world, separate from all others. Though he has various interactions with people in his town, he never truly feels a part of their lives. Some characters, however, are integral to the novel and are important to Meursault's transformation as a person. Maman, Marie, and Salamano, though not prominently featured, are important characters in affecting the theme and the development of Meursault.

To most people, losing a parent is a tragic experience. For Meursault, however, the death of Maman, his mother, leaves him feeling indifferent. When he attends Maman's funeral he shows no sign of remorse. Instead he smokes cigarettes and drinks coffee. He is unable to recall his mother's age and seems disconnected from her in a way that is almost shocking. When Meursault is put on trial for killing the Arab, he is convicted of the...