Holden agrees to write an English paper for his roommate, Ward Stradlater, who is going on a date. But, Holden finds out that Stradlater's date is Jane Gallagher, who Holden has a crush on and feels protective of. Later Holden goes to a movie with friends Mal Brossman and Ackley. While Ackley and Mal watch the movie Holden can't focus. When Stradlater comes back he doesn't give much thought to the paper Holden wrote for him about his dead brother's baseball glove. Stradlater won't say if he's slept with Jane, so Holden punches him, but he loses the fight. Holden continues insulting him, Stradlater knocks him out and almost kills him.