Character Analysis
Let's at least give Dr. Strauss props for encouraging Charlie to write his story down—he's well-meaning, if not a little clueless about what's going on emotionally with his patient. And unlike Nemur, Strauss calls a spade a spade: "I'm an even worse linguist than [Nemur]" (149), he tells Charlie, basically admitting that he's not up on the most recent scientific data.
Deep Down, He's A Softie
If you want evidence that Strauss has a soft spot for Charlie, check out the last progress report. He shows up at Charlie's door pretending he wants the progress reports, but Charlie knows it's because he's pretty worried. Can you say residual guilt? Strauss may be a lousy psychiatrist, but at least he can convincingly play the empathy card.