Characters

Sal Paradise, Dean Moriarty, Carlo Marx, Marylou, Ed Dunkel, Galatea Dunkel, Remi Boncoeur, Lee Ann, Sal's Aunt, Chad King, Tim Gray, Roland Major, Camille, The Rawlinses, Rita Bettencourt, Old Bull Lee, Elmer Hassel, Jane Lee, Lucille, Denver D. Doll, Terry, Rickey, Ponzo, Johnny, Hingham, Slim Gaillard, Roy Johnson, Inez, Stan Shephard, Victor

Conflict

Person-against-self - an internal conflict of feelings.

Person-against-person - the typical protagonist vs. antagonist scenario.

Person-against-society - the protagonist battles against the larger organizations of society
(or a system of beliefs held by society).

Person-against-nature - the protagonist is threatened by a component of nature.

Theme/Motifs/Symbols

1950s - A Changing America: The Emergence of a Separate and Definable Youth Culture (the restless and idealistic Beat Generation)

The American Dream: Sal's Journey for Happiness and Meaning

Search for Religion/Fall from Grace

Disillusionment & Non-Conformity: Fighting Conventional Falsehoods of Suburban Life (materialism, prosperity)

Improvisation: A Way of Life Free from Constraints (references to poetry and jazz)

Stream of Consciousness Narration -- A Challenge to Traditional Prose

The American Landscape: The Road Trip Across America (regionalism and diversity)

Journey vs. Destination: Living Every Day

The Reckless Craze for Sex (and sexuality), Drugs, Alcohol, Women, Music

Public reaction to "On the Road" - 1950s & Today