Stranger, The (The Big Lebowski). The sometimes narrator of the story, the Stranger contributes his perspective to the opening and closing of the film through a thick, western accent. He opens the movie by describing the setting, context and main character of the story. Midway through the movie, The Stranger meets the Dude at the bowling alley after an argument between Lebowski and his friends. The Stranger and Lebowski have a brief conversation and characteristically, the Stranger offers Lebowski some advice. The narrator appears again in the final scene of the movie in which he and Lebowski have another short conversation. After Lebowski walks away, the Stranger expresses his sorrow at Donny’s passing and reveals that a “little Lebowski” is on the way.

The Stranger is an enigma who explains his interest in the story as curiosity. His demeanor suggests kind disposition and while he has no direct impact on the story, he does interact face to face with Lebowski twice. Lebowski is the only character who speaks to the Stranger, and he only appears in the bowling alley.

The Stranger is played by Sam Elliott.—Zachary Watson