"Of Mice and Men" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

George Milton

As the protagonist, George is a responsible and caring friend to Lennie, striving to protect him in a world that is often unkind to those with mental disabilities.

Lennie Small

Also a protagonist, Lennie is mentally challenged but possesses immense physical strength. He relies on George for guidance and protection.

Candy

Candy serves as a supporting character, providing insight into the challenges faced by the ranch workers and demonstrating the loneliness and vulnerability of the elderly in the 1930s.

Curley

The antagonist of the story, Curley is a hot-tempered and aggressive ranch owner's son who constantly seeks to prove his masculinity.

Curley's Wife

Another supporting character, Curley's wife is a lonely and misunderstood woman, craving attention and companionship in a male-dominated environment.

Slim

As a supporting character, Slim is a respected and wise ranch worker, serving as a voice of reason and authority among the men.

Crooks

A supporting character, Crooks is the only African American ranch hand, facing discrimination and isolation due to his race.

Character Descriptions

George Milton

George is a small, wiry, and quick-witted man with a deep sense of responsibility towards Lennie. He is often frustrated by the challenges of caring for Lennie but is also fiercely protective of his friend.

Lennie Small

Lennie is a large, strong, and childlike man with a limited mental capacity. His love for soft things and lack of understanding of his own strength lead to unintended destructive behavior.

Candy

Candy is an aging ranch worker with a missing hand, making him feel vulnerable and isolated. He is attached to his old dog and longs for companionship and stability.

Curley

Curley is a pugnacious and insecure man who uses aggression to mask his own insecurities. He is constantly seeking opportunities to prove his dominance over others, particularly Lennie.

Curley's Wife

Curley's wife is a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage. She yearns for attention and dreams of a better life, feeling isolated and unfulfilled on the ranch.

Slim

Slim is a highly skilled and respected mule driver with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. He serves as a mediator and source of wisdom among the ranch workers.

Crooks

Crooks is an intelligent and proud man who faces racial discrimination, leading to his isolation from the other workers. His bitterness is a result of the prejudice he experiences.

Character Traits

George Milton

• Responsible
• Protective
• Frustrated
• Caring
• Quick-witted

Lennie Small

• Childlike
• Strong
• Clumsy
• Gentle
• Forgetful

Candy

• Lonely
• Vulnerable
• Caring
• Regretful
• Yearning for companionship

Curley

• Aggressive
• Insecure
• Hot-tempered
• Domineering
• Suspicious

Curley's Wife

• Lonely
• Attention-seeking
• Dreamy
• Unfulfilled
• Isolated

Slim

• Wise
• Respected
• Calm
• Skilled
• Thoughtful

Crooks

• Proud
• Intelligent
• Bitter
• Isolated
• Dignified

Character Background

George Milton

George grew up with Lennie and feels a deep sense of responsibility towards him due to a promise made to Lennie's aunt. He dreams of owning a piece of land where they can live independently and peacefully.

Lennie Small

Lennie's mental disability and immense physical strength have caused trouble in the past, leading to a sense of fear and guilt within him. He relies on George for guidance and protection.

Candy

Having worked on the ranch for years, Candy feels a sense of attachment and belonging to the place. His only companion is his old dog, whose fate serves as a reminder of his own mortality.

Curley

Curley's aggressive behavior is a reflection of his insecurity and desire to prove his masculinity. His marriage to a lonely and neglected woman exacerbates his antagonistic nature.

Curley's Wife

Feeling trapped in her marriage and overlooked by the ranch workers, Curley's wife yearns for attention and dreams of a better life. Her attempts to connect with the men are often misinterpreted.

Slim

As a highly skilled and respected worker, Slim is well-liked and admired by his peers. He serves as a symbol of dignity and authority on the ranch.

Crooks

Being the only African American worker, Crooks faces constant discrimination and isolation. His bitterness stems from the unfair treatment he endures due to his race.

Character Arcs

George Milton

Throughout the story, George struggles with the weight of caring for Lennie while holding onto the dream of a better life. His internal conflict and ultimate decision demonstrate the depth of his love and responsibility towards Lennie.

Lennie Small

Lennie's arc revolves around his longing for soft things and the unintended consequences of his actions. His inability to control his strength leads to a tragic outcome, highlighting the challenges of living with a mental disability.

Candy

Candy's character experiences loss and a longing for stability. His journey reflects the harsh reality of aging and the transient nature of life as a ranch worker.

Curley

Curley's aggressive nature and constant need for dominance eventually lead to a confrontation that alters his perception of power and control.

Curley's Wife

Her interactions with the other characters and her ultimate fate shed light on the limitations and struggles faced by women in a male-dominated society, ultimately revealing the tragic consequences of her isolation.

Slim

While not undergoing a significant transformation, Slim's role as a voice of reason and authority remains constant, providing stability and guidance to the other characters.

Crooks

Crooks' experiences with discrimination and isolation shape his perspective and interactions with others, highlighting the damaging effects of racism and prejudice.

Relationships

George and Lennie

George serves as a guardian and friend to Lennie, providing guidance and protection. Their relationship highlights themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of friendship.

Candy and his Dog

Candy's attachment to his aging dog reflects his fear of loneliness and abandonment. The loss of his companion amplifies his vulnerability and sense of mortality.

Curley and His Wife

Their strained relationship is emblematic of the lack of genuine connections and emotional fulfillment in their lives. Their interactions illustrate the pervasive loneliness and unfulfilled desires within the characters.

Lennie and Animals

Lennie's interactions with animals, particularly the unintentional harm he causes, emphasize his innocence and inability to comprehend the consequences of his actions.

Crooks and the Other Workers

Crooks' isolation due to racial discrimination highlights the deep-seated prejudices of the time and the damaging effects of social exclusion.

Slim and the Other Workers

Slim's respected position and wise demeanor earn him the admiration and trust of the other workers, highlighting his role as a stabilizing force on the ranch.

This character analysis delves into the multifaceted personalities and relationships within "Of Mice and Men," shedding light on the challenges, aspirations, and tragedies that shape the lives of the characters.