Meursault, the therapist

Throughout the novel, the Stranger, Meursault has a very detached and unemotional attitude towards practically everyone he encounters. While the readers are uncomfortable and take notice of his awkwardness, the other characters seem to embrace him and his aloof nature.

 In the first chapter, Meursault is indifferent towards the caretaker, and yet the caretaker goes on to tell him about his old life in Paris and why he moved to Algiers. Meursault only adds a few questions and comments while the caretaker does most of the talking and doesn't seem to mind his disinterest.

A similar relationship takes place again between Meursault and Raymond. Meursault simply introduces Raymond as someone who sleeps around a lot. He listens to his stories of his girlfriend and only speaks when Raymond asks if he agrees with certain things, to which Meursault says yes. Raymond goes in depth into his romantic troubles, while Meursault just sits back and takes a smoke. Raymond, at the end of his conversation with Meusault, said that men understood each other, inferring that he felt Meurault understood him and his romantic problems. Raymond seems to enjoy his company regardless of Meursault's disregard since Meursault, while indifferent, is a good listener.

The third male character we meet is Old Salamano. Salamano, again, does most of the talking and speaks intimately with Meursault. He tells him he lost his dog and that the dog was his only company after his wife died. He also gives Meursault his condolences and holds his hand before he leaves. The intimacy Salamano displays for Meursault is astounding considering Meursaut's lack of involvement in their conversation. While we as readers see Meursault as cold-hearted, the characters in need of a listener see him as a useful tool to get over some of their problems and to seek reassurance for their faults.