Maurice

Maurice is an elevator operator at the hotel where Holden Caulfield stays, a tough, cynical man who facilitates Holden Caulfield's encounter with the prostitute Sunny. Maurice is manipulative and predatory, exploiting Holden Caulfield's sexual inexperience and vulnerability. When Holden Caulfield refuses to pay the full agreed-upon fee, Maurice physically intimidates him and, with Sunny, extorts money from Holden Caulfield. Maurice represents the darker side of New York City—the predatory, criminal element that preys on vulnerable teenagers like Holden Caulfield. His encounter with Maurice shakes Holden Caulfield deeply and reinforces his view of the adult world as corrupt and dangerous.