Meursault is the central figure in The Stranger, but he is defined by his detachment from others. Emotional events involving those close to him, such as the death of his mother or a discussion of marriage with a romantic partner, fail to elicit any response other than mild indifference. Meursault’s most important trait is that he views the entire world as an exercise in meaninglessness. That is not to say that he dislikes the world, simply that he is indifferent to it. The story of The Stranger revolves around Meursault, but he fails to demonstrate any emotion until the very end of the novel.

Meursault’s indifference makes him a brutally honest person. When Marie asks whether he loves her, he honestly responds that does not. Meursault does not pause to consider Marie’s feelings or how his answer might make him appear to others. Instead, he simply states his exact emotions. Likewise, the portrayal of insincere emotions makes him feel uncomfortable. Meursault does not force himself to cry at his mother’s funeral because he feels such a display would be wrong. Meursault does not adhere to society’s expectations. On some occasions, this makes him come across as rude or uncaring. At other times, he appears insightful.