Journal #1

Marie comes in as a character that Meursault had known from the past from work. This gives some background information to Meursault. He explains there may have been some love between them, showing an instance where he was aware of his feelings. However, when he is later asked whether he loves her or wants to marry her, he is unsure and does not really care, saying it is up to her. Meursault describes her as beautiful, admiring her physical features. He enjoys spending time with her and they interact as a couple. The day after the funeral, he takes her out. Through Marie, Camus reveals more about Meursault and what he possibly values in love and companionship, or whether he cares about love or not.

Salamano is Meursault's neighbor who lives with a dog. He constantly beats the dog and curses at it. He is described as a grumpy, old man. While not exactly a foil to Meursault, he produces similar effects. After Salamano loses his dog, he is emotionally affected and his attitude changes quite a bit. On the other hand, Meursault did not change at all and even states, "nothing  had changed" (24). There is a great contrast in the effect of death on the two characters. Salamano appeared as a friendly man when he conversed with Meursault. They were able to talk in a friendly manner with Meursault giving him advice and Salamano returning condolences for the death of Maman. Camus shows the different effects of death through Salamano.

The lady who Meursault meets at Celeste's is very organized and seems to live in a systematic style. She lives with a purpose and knows what she is doing. Meursault carefully observes her, noticing her peculiar actions. She orders "her whole meal all at once, in a voice that was clear and very fast" (43), adds up her bill in advance, and checks off every radio program from a magazine. Her motions are described as "robotlike", showing her meticulous lifestyle and thinking process. Camus may use this woman to show this concept of being a "stranger". People may be fascinated with another, such as people were with Meursault and the death of his mother, and then soon forget the person. Meursault is intrigued by this woman and even attempts to follow her, but he "forgot about her a few minutes later" (44).