What is the main plot in The Catcher and Rye?

The main plot of The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield, a 16-year-old boy who has been expelled from prep school and is spending a few days in New York City before returning home. As Holden navigates the city, he encounters a variety of characters and reflects on his past experiences, his family, and his struggles with mental health.

The novel does not have a conventional plot with a rising action, climax, and resolution. Instead, it focuses on Holden's innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations as he grapples with adolescence, loss, and the difficulties of growing up in a complex and sometimes cruel world. The plot serves primarily to provide a framework for Holden's personal journey and exploration of identity.