Narrator

The narrator is a young, ambitious writer. Holly calls says he is yearning to be on the inside looking out. When he first meets Holly he is thrilled just to have his own apartment, even if it is dingy and junky and old. The narrator is sensitive about his stories, pricked by any criticism, and full of hope. The narrator is never called by his real name in the book. The only name he receives is "Fred," which Holly calls him because he reminds her of her brother.

Although the narrator gets annoyed with Holly sometimes, he is very loyal to her. He stands by her even when she is arrested on drug charges, visiting her in the hospital and moving her things out of her apartment through the fire escape in the pouring rain. He is humbled by her, thrilled to be in her presence, and willing...