Character Analysis
D.B.
Holden's older brother is one representative of the aesthetic theme of the genuine artist who sells out. Holden feels that D.B. was a truly "terrific" short-story writer before going to Hollywood to write scripts, drive Jaguars, date gorgeous women, and make money. "The Secret Goldfish," a story about a kid who buys a goldfish with his own money and won't let anyone else look at it, is Holden's favorite short story written by his brother.
Holden dislikes the movies because he thinks that they are "phony" and manipulative; he feels that his brother has prostituted himself by becoming a screenwriter. Like Salinger, D.B. served extensively in World War II, landed in France on D-Day, and was in Europe for the duration. He was disillusioned by the war and especially the military. Perhaps that cynicism was part of his decision to become a screenwriter.