Meursault has a very unique personality. He does not like to speak very often, and when he does, it is usually one word answers, or very short and matter of fact, "I said 'yes,' just so i wouldn't have to say anything else," (4). His personality seems to keep him from having very many relationships out side of the one with Marie.
"I went in. It was a very bright, whitewashed room with a skylight for a roof. The furniture consisted of some chairs and some cross-shaped sawhorses. Two of them, in the middle of the room were supporting a closed casket. All you could see were some shiny screws, not screwed down all the way, standing out against the walnut-stained planks, " (6). This passage is an important insight into Meursault. It shows that he is observers, not not only on the big picture. He tends to focus into the little things, like screws, rather than focusing more effort into the entire room.
I think that it is odd that he observes so much about human nature, yet he acts out in ways that are not what society would suspect.
He also has a very habitual lifestyle. There is order which he does things and everything he does is simple and matter of fact, "I drank the coffee. Then I felt like having a smoke," (8). "I caught the two o'clock bus. It was very hot. I ate at the restaurant, at Celeste's, as usual," (3)
"Yes" and "No"
Whenever Meursault is asked a question, usually he answers in the simplest way possible. When asked a yes or no question, the easiest answer does not always include an explanation, "I answered, "No." (6). "I said, "yes," (4). "I like milk in my coffee, so I said yes," (8).
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