Of Mice and Men Characters

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

The main characters in Of Mice and Men are George Milton, Lennie Small, Candy, Curley, and Curley's wife.

  • George Milton is Lennie’s friend and protector. He shoots Lennie in the back of the head rather than allow him to be killed by a lynch mob.
  • Lennie Small is a physically strong migrant worker with developmental disabilities.
  • Candy is an elderly ranch hand who offers to join George and Lennie in their plan to buy their own farm.
  • Curley is the boss's son. He foolishly picks a fight with Lennie.
  • Curley’s wife is the lonely woman who Lennie accidentally kills.

George Milton

The heart of Of Mice and Men is George’s commitment to Lennie. While George’s character is revealed through how he interacts with Lennie, their relationship accomplishes another purpose. It underscores several themes in the novel, primarily the destructive effects of loneliness on the human spirit that manifest in Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife.

Although George tells Slim that he “ain’t got no people,” with Lennie as his friend and traveling companion, George feels the emotional security of having family. Lennie's presence helps George know that he is not completely adrift in the world. George stays with Lennie, despite the difficulty of taking care of him, because leaving Lennie behind would mean being alone.

George’s relationship with Lennie also develops themes of human compassion and of the intrinsic worth of those viewed by society as possessing no value at all. Readers learn that George’s compassion for Lennie was ignited when Lennie almost drowned after following George’s cruel, careless instruction to jump into the Sacramento River; Lennie jumped, even though he couldn’t swim. The incident made George aware of the power he exercised over Lennie and of Lennie’s helplessness and eagerness to please him. George felt ashamed of himself and his actions, and he suddenly felt truly responsible for Lennie. George’s deeply-felt sympathy for Lennie, who is terrified of being abandoned, is evident as he comforts Lennie on the riverbank moments before he must shoot him. Giving Lennie a peaceful, painless death is the ultimate act of compassion and sacrifice in the novel.

George feels more than compassion for Lennie, however. Unlike those who ignore or reject Lennie as an individual, seeing in him only odd behavior, George understands Lennie’s character. There is no meanness in Lennie, no motivation or desire to cause harm; he is innocent. George also recognizes and respects Lennie’s work ethic and perseverance. Slim, wise and observant, recognizes the quality of Lennie’s character, too, confirming George’s judgment. While others have no use for Lennie Small, George’s relationship with him reveals Lennie to be a human of great value, far superior in many ways to others on the ranch.

Expert Q&A

In Of Mice and Men, what is George Milton's fear?

What might be some interview questions for the character George Milton from Of Mice and Men?

For a character that we can somewhat relate to, Curley's wife seems to have a very interesting and complex personality. She is bored with her life on the ranch, and she craves some excitement and attention. I think these are very normal desires for a woman who isn't treated as well as she would like to be. Her only other option may be to leave the ranch, but she says that it feels much the same as it always has. The interview also reveals to us how different our perceptions of Curley's wife may be from what they really are. We see her as being a flirt; however, she claims that she doesn't mean anything by it.

The guilt or innocence of George Milton in Lennie Small's death in Of Mice and Men

George Milton's guilt or innocence in Lennie Small's death can be debated. Some argue George is guilty because he took Lennie's life, while others believe he acted out of mercy to save Lennie from a worse fate at the hands of a mob. Ultimately, George's intentions and the context of their situation play a significant role in interpreting his actions.

Lennie Small

Lennie Small, George’s companion and fellow migrant laborer, is not “small” at all. Lennie’s ironic last name highlights how the two main protagonists, Lennie and George, represent a study in contrasts. While George is small and shrewd, Lennie is a “huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, and wide, sloping shoulders.” Full Lennie Analysis

Expert Q&A

Lennie Small's Decisions, Desires, and Motivations in Of Mice and Men

In Of Mice and Men, Lennie Small's primary motivations and ambitions revolve around his dream of owning a farm with George, where he can tend rabbits. This dream provides Lennie with comfort and a sense of purpose, reflecting his childlike mentality and love for soft things. His motivations are driven by primal desires for safety, comfort, and companionship. Lennie's actions, such as accidentally killing a puppy and Curley's wife, stem from his inability to control his strength and his relentless pursuit of this dream.

Curley's Wife

The only female character in the story, Curley’s wife is frequently referred to as the “tramp” and the “tart.” She wears a velvet red dress and has “full, rouged lips,” “wide-spaced eyes,” red fingernails, and “hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages.” Lonely and unfulfilled, Curley’s wife—who goes unnamed throughout the story—once had dreams of becoming a movie star. Now that she lives on Curley’s ranch, she simply seeks human connection. However, her actions and appearance come off as lascivious and adulterous to many of the characters. George comments that Curley’s wife is “poison” for flirting with so many of the men on the ranch, and he warns Lennie to steer clear of her. However, impressed by Lennie’s strength and ability to best her husband in a fight, Curley’s wife approaches Lennie. He becomes enamored with her soft velvet dress and hair, and when Curley’s wife tries to wriggle away, Lennie accidentally kills her. The death of this unnamed character dashes George and Lennie’s desires; when she dies, Lennie must die as well, and George is left to survive the harsh migratory worker’s life alone. Full Curley's Wife Analysis

Expert Q&A

In Of Mice and Men, why does Curley's wife mock Candy, Crooks, and Lennie?

Curley's wife mocks Candy, Crooks, and Lennie because they are socially marginalized—Crooks for his race, Lennie for his mental disability, and Candy for his age and disability. She lashes out due to her own isolation and loneliness, as she feels neglected by her husband and misunderstood by the other men. Her mockery highlights her frustration and desire for companionship, which tragically leads to her death when Lennie, seeking comfort, accidentally kills her.

In Of Mice and Men, what alternative life does Curley's wife mention to marriage?

Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men reveals to Lennie that she once dreamed of becoming a Hollywood actress. A man she met promised to help her get into the movies, claiming she was a "natural." However, the promised letter never arrived, which she attributes to her mother's interference. Instead, she ended up marrying Curley, leading a life of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled dreams, highlighting her as a tragic figure rather than a mere "tramp."

Why does Curley's wife aspire to be an actress in Of Mice and Men?

Curley's wife aspires to be an actress as a means of escape from her monotonous life on the ranch. Her ambition stems from a past encounter in Salinas, where a performer from a traveling show suggested she join them, sparking her dreams of Hollywood stardom. Although her mother prevented her from leaving, the dream remains vivid, offering a contrast to her current life filled with boredom and frustration.

Why is Curley's wife flirty with Slim in "Of Mice and Men"?

Curley's wife flirts with Slim because she is lonely and seeks acknowledgment, as she feels insignificant in her role on the ranch. Her flirtatious behavior stems from her unfulfilled dreams of becoming a movie star, reflecting her need for attention and validation. Slim, who is kind-hearted and not intimidated by Curley, reciprocates her attention out of sympathy, understanding her situation and her unrealized ambitions, rather than any genuine romantic interest.

What evidence suggests that Curley's wife fears losing her dream?

Curley's wife fears losing her dream of fame and a better life, as shown by her desperate conversations with Lennie. She shares her past hopes of being in movies, revealing her longing for admiration and a life beyond her current situation. Her rapid, passionate speech and the need to be seen as "velvet" highlight her anxiety about losing this dream, illustrating her deep-seated desire for a life of recognition and fulfillment.

What is the relationship between Curley's wife and the other ranch men?

Curley's wife has a strained relationship with the ranch workers, who view her as flirtatious and dangerous due to her husband's jealousy. She is often referred to as "jailbait," indicating her perceived promiscuity and youth. While she is seen as a threat by most men, there is a suggestion of attraction between her and Slim. Her flirtations stem from loneliness and unfulfilled dreams, as she once aspired to be an actress but ended up trapped in her current life.

What might have happened to Curley's wife if she hadn't been killed?

If Curley's wife hadn't been killed, she might have sought escape from her unhappy marriage by pursuing relationships with other men, possibly leading to an affair. Her flirtatious nature and lack of discretion could have resulted in conflict, potentially inciting Curley's jealousy and violence. Given her limited opportunities and lack of experience, she might have ended up in a less desirable situation, such as becoming involved with a man who exploits her or turning to prostitution.

Curley's Wife: Characterization, Interactions, and Impact in Of Mice and Men

In Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife is portrayed as a complex character marked by loneliness and unfulfilled dreams. Married to Curley for approximately two weeks, her presence symbolizes danger for Lennie. Despite her flirtatious demeanor, she seeks companionship due to her isolation on the ranch, exacerbated by her impulsive marriage decision. Her dreams of becoming a movie star highlight her naivety and desperation. In chapter 4, her interactions reveal vulnerability and a harsh side, as she belittles the men, exposing her own frustrations and societal limitations.

In "Of Mice and Men", why is Curley's wife considered a tragic figure?

Curley's wife is considered a tragic figure because she is a victim of circumstances, living a lonely and unappreciated life. Although perceived as flirtatious, she is actually isolated and deprived of meaningful companionship. Her dreams of becoming a movie star highlight her unfulfilled aspirations. Her tragic fate, culminating in her accidental death by Lennie, evokes pity as she deserved a better life. Steinbeck's portrayal emphasizes her vulnerability and the harsh realities she faced.

Curley's Wife's Role and Reactions in Of Mice and Men Deaths

In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Curley's reaction to his wife's death is marked by anger and a desire for revenge against Lennie, rather than mourning. Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife in a panic while trying to silence her screams as he strokes her hair, leading to her neck breaking. Candy is upset by her death as it destroys his dream of owning land with George and Lennie, directing his anger towards her for ruining their plans. Although Curley's wife is not responsible for Lennie's death, her presence inadvertently leads to the tragic events, highlighting the isolation and loneliness she experiences on the ranch. Ultimately, Lennie is directly responsible for her death, but George shares some blame for not preventing the situation.

Show another question (9 questions hidden)

Curley

Curley is the son of the ranch owner. He is characterized by his curled hair, hot temper, and “pugnacious and calculating” glance. Once a Golden Glove finalist and lightweight boxer, Curley vainly and incorrectly believes he can physically defeat men who are larger than he is. He often fights with bigger men to demonstrate his strength. When he wins, he is seen as strong; when he loses, he is seen as a martyr. Despite his machismo, Curley is cowardly. He often worries that his wife is flirting with other men, and he makes excuses to explain away his crushed hand after Lennie fights and defeats him. When his wife dies, Curley is more preoccupied with vengeance than with mourning her. Although the laborers encourage Curley to stay with his wife’s body, he vows to “shoot the guts outa that big bastard [him]self.” Full Curley Analysis

Expert Q&A

In Of Mice and Men, why does Curley agree to lie about how his hand was crushed?

Curley agrees he "won't tell" about Lennie crushing his hand and will say he got it caught in machine because he fears the other men will laugh at him if they find out the truth.

What caused the fight in which Lennie broke Curley's hand?

The fight began when Curley, agitated after failing to intimidate Slim over suspicions about his wife, saw Lennie smiling while others mocked him. Misinterpreting Lennie's smile as mockery, Curley attacked him, targeting Lennie as an easy victim to restore his pride. Initially reluctant, Lennie fought back only after George's urging, resulting in Lennie crushing Curley's hand. Curley's anger and need to assert dominance led to the confrontation.

What is Curley's opinion on George and Lennie traveling together in Of Mice and Men?

Curley is suspicious and wary of George and Lennie when he learns that they travel together. Similar to his father, Curley wonders if George and Lennie plan on taking advantage of them or will cause some sort of trouble.

Why is Curley upset when he enters the bunkhouse at the end of section three?

Curley is upset when he enters the bunkhouse because he cannot find his wife and suspects she is with Slim, fueling his insecurity and jealousy. His anger escalates when he returns from the barn without finding anything suspicious. Provoked by taunts about his cowardice, Curley attempts to assert his masculinity by picking a fight with Lennie, but ends up with a crushed hand, further damaging his fragile ego.

Why does Curley become suspicious when Slim is not with the other men in Of Mice and Men?

Curley becomes suspicious when Slim is not with the other men because he fears Slim might be having an affair with his wife. Curley, depicted as controlling and distrustful, is aware of his wife's attractiveness and her tendency to avoid him. He views Slim, a respected figure on the ranch, as a threat. Curley's suspicion leads to a confrontation with Slim, who rebukes him for his constant accusations.

Why does Curley stay quiet about Lennie's actions, not seeking to fire George and Lennie?

Curley stays quiet about Lennie's actions because admitting defeat would damage his exaggerated sense of masculinity and authority as the ranch boss. Firing Lennie and George would reveal that someone bested him, which is unacceptable to Curley. Additionally, Slim advises Curley to claim his hand was injured by a machine to avoid ridicule. If Curley doesn't comply, the men threaten to expose the truth, which Curley fears would make him a laughingstock.

Why is Curley always searching for his wife in "Of Mice and Men"?

Curley is always searching for his wife because she has a reputation for being flirtatious, which makes him insecure and overcompensating in his attempts to control the other men. His wife is also lonely, openly expressing her need for companionship due to Curley's frequent absences. Her attractiveness contrasts with Curley's lack of self-confidence, prompting his constant vigilance and attempts to exert control.

Quotes that illustrate Curley's character in "Of Mice and Men."

Quotes illustrating Curley's character in "Of Mice and Men" include: "Curley's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys." This suggests his insecurities and aggressive nature. Another is "Curley’s pretty handy. He done quite a bit in the ring," indicating his pride in his boxing skills and readiness to fight. These quotes highlight Curley's combative and insecure personality.

What are three main traits of the character Curley?

Curley's main traits are insecurity, meanness, and cowardice. His insecurity stems from his small stature, leading him to pick fights with larger men to prove himself. This reflects cowardice, as he chooses unfair fights where he can gain esteem if he wins. Curley's meanness is evident in his aggressive behavior, especially towards those he perceives as weaker, like Lennie. His constant suspicion of his wife highlights his lack of self-confidence and trust.

Why is Curley an obstacle for George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men?

Curley is an obstacle for George and Lennie because he abuses his power as the boss's son and is insecure, often picking fights with larger men like Lennie. This creates tension and conflict, which are central to Steinbeck's narrative technique. Curley's antagonism towards Lennie is exacerbated by Lennie's refusal to speak and his fear of trouble. Curley's aggression culminates in a fight where Lennie crushes Curley's hand, intensifying their conflict.

Show another question (7 questions hidden)

Slim

Slim, a skilled jerkline skinner, or mule driver, is respected as an authority figure on the ranch. Slim is a tall man with “hands, large and lean… as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.” He moves “with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen,” and he has a “gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.” He has “God-like” eyes that seem to “fasten” on George when he speaks. He demonstrates more perception and understanding than any of the other characters. He is the only character, besides George, who understands that Lennie isn’t cruel or threatening. When George kills Lennie, Slim consoles him, the only character to show such compassion. A quiet and perceptive man, Slim serves as one of the most empathetic characters of the novella. 

Expert Q&A

What kind act does Slim perform for Lennie in Of Mice and Men?

Slim performs several kind acts for Lennie. He protects Lennie on the ranch by using his influence to prevent him from being fired after Lennie injures Curley. Slim also gives Lennie a puppy, knowing Lennie's fondness for small animals. Despite later realizing Lennie's potential danger, Slim supports George's difficult decision to kill Lennie, reassuring him it was the right choice to save Lennie from a worse fate.

Why does George trust Slim in Of Mice and Men?

What are some quotes that describe Slim in Of Mice and Men?

In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Slim is depicted as a figure of natural authority and respect. Described as a "prince of the ranch" and possessing "god-like" eyes, Slim commands respect through his quiet confidence and competence, unlike other characters who rely on bullying. His profound influence is evident when others, like Candy, seek his judgment. Slim's insightful observations, such as "Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other," highlight his perceptive nature and moral authority.

Candy

Candy is a one-handed, “stoop-shouldered” elderly ranch hand. His offers to contribute his life savings of $350 to Lennie and George in order to help them achieve their dream of living on their own plot of land. This offer makes their dream seem more realistic, at least at first. Like Candy, his dog is old and disabled. Carlson kills Candy’s dog to put him out of his misery, a moment that mirrors how George eventually kills Lennie in order to save him from Curley’s lynch mob. Full Candy Analysis

Expert Q&A

Why does Candy regret letting a stranger shoot his dog in Of Mice and Men?

In Of Mice and Men, Candy regrets letting a stranger shoot his dog because he had a close bond with his pet, having owned it since it was a puppy. He feels he should have been the one to put it out of its misery, instead of allowing someone else to do it. This incident influences a later event in the novella, where George learns from Candy's mistake and takes Lennie's life before a lynch mob can.

In Of Mice and Men, who does Candy blame for the murder and why is he angry?

Candy blames Curley's wife for her own murder because her actions led to Lennie's accidental killing of her. He is angry because her death ruins his dream of living on a farm with George and Lennie, a dream that represented hope and a better future. Candy's frustration stems from the realization that he will never achieve the American dream.

Why is Candy worried about being fired in Of Mice and Men?

Candy worries about being fired because he is old, disabled, and unlikely to find other work. After losing his hand, he received $250 and was kept on as a janitor, but he knows his time is limited. He fears being sent to a home for indigents, losing his dignity and independence. Candy hopes to join George and Lennie on their farm to secure a more hopeful future, but his dreams are shattered by the death of Curley's wife.

In Of Mice and Men, what is Candy's greatest fear?

In Of Mice and Men, Candy's greatest fear is being fired and left to his own devices outside of the ranch.

Why didn't Candy go into town with the rest of the men in "Of Mice and Men"?

Candy, the old swamper in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, stays behind when the men go to town because he lacks the energy for carousing, as he admits, "I ain’t got the poop no more." Additionally, he is preoccupied with planning the future farm with George and Lennie, particularly concerning the rabbits they hope to raise. These reasons keep him at the ranch while the others visit Soledad for entertainment.

How does Candy's character enhance our understanding of ranch life?

Candy's character in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men enhances understanding of ranch life by highlighting its harsh realities and the plight of aging workers. As an old, disabled swamper, Candy symbolizes the struggles and sacrifices of ranch hands. His relationship with his dog and his lost dreams with George and Lennie illustrate the inevitable decline faced by the weak and defenseless. Candy embodies both hope and the harsh truth of inevitable obsolescence in a demanding environment.

Candy's Character Analysis in Of Mice and Men

Candy, from John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, is an old swamper with a missing hand, symbolizing his diminishing usefulness on the ranch. Despite his physical limitations, he is kind-hearted and seeks connection, shown through his attachment to his old dog and his eagerness to join George and Lennie’s dream of owning a farm. Candy's main conflicts arise from his fear of becoming obsolete and his struggle with loneliness. He is generally amiable towards others but harbors resentment towards Curley's wife and Carlson, reflecting his insecurities and societal marginalization.

Candy's Response to Carlson's Suggestion and Action Regarding His Dog

In Of Mice and Men, Candy is deeply attached to his aging and infirm dog, which Carlson suggests shooting due to its smell and uselessness. Despite his reluctance, Candy feels pressured by Carlson and Slim's insistence that putting the dog down is merciful. Candy ultimately agrees, feeling helpless and betrayed, as his dog symbolizes his own fears of becoming obsolete. Carlson's actions highlight his callousness, and the incident foreshadows the novel's tragic ending involving George and Lennie.

The significance of Candy's dream and its impact on the theme of dreams in Of Mice and Men

Candy's dream of joining George and Lennie's plan to own a piece of land highlights the theme of dreams in Of Mice and Men. It represents hope and the desire for a better life, showing how dreams can provide motivation. However, the eventual collapse of this dream underscores the harsh reality that such aspirations are often unattainable for marginalized individuals.

Candy's Role and Contributions to the Dream Ranch in Of Mice and Men

In Of Mice and Men, Candy becomes involved in George and Lennie's "dream ranch" after his dog is killed, fearing a lonely future due to his disability. He offers his life savings, $350, to help fund the dream, providing a financial foundation for the plan. Candy hopes to find security and companionship on the ranch, contributing his labor, despite his limitations. However, the dream ultimately collapses with Lennie's accidental actions, leaving Candy's future bleak and uncertain.

Show another question (1 question hidden)

Carlson

Carlson is a mechanic on the ranch. His inability to feel empathy for others exemplifies the general hostility and indifference experienced by migrant laborers. He volunteers to shoot Candy’s dog, using the same gun George later steals in order to kill Lennie. Carlson is unfeeling and callous. After George shoots Lennie, and he and Slim walk away, Carlson wonders, “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?”  

Crooks

The only black stable hand, Crooks is generally ostracized from the other migrant laborers. He lives alone, and only speaks to Lennie and Candy once, telling them that their dream of having their own plot of land is unrealistic. He has a crooked back as a result of being kicked in the back by a horse. 

Expert Q&A

Why does Crooks taunt Lennie about George in Of Mice and Men?

In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," Crooks, the only African American character, taunts Lennie about George to express his own feelings of isolation and resentment. He also wants Lennie to understand the loneliness of not having a friend or companion. Crooks, who is constantly marginalized and discriminated against, uses this opportunity to exert a momentary feeling of power over Lennie, who is mentally handicapped and vulnerable without George.

Crooks' discussion and quotes about dreams in Of Mice and Men

In Of Mice and Men, Crooks discusses dreams with a sense of skepticism and realism. He expresses doubt that dreams can come true, reflecting his own experiences of racial discrimination and isolation. He tells Lennie, "Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land," illustrating his belief that dreams are unattainable for people like him.

Crooks' reactions to George's and Lennie's interactions and plans in Of Mice and Men

In Of Mice and Men, Crooks initially reacts with skepticism to George's and Lennie's dream of owning land, believing it to be an unrealistic fantasy. However, as he listens more, he becomes intrigued and even offers to join them, revealing his deep-seated loneliness and desire for companionship and security.

The Boss

Like his son, Curley, the unnamed boss is hot-tempered and vain. He frequently abuses Crooks, the black stable hand. He wears high-heeled boots to demonstrate that he is not a worker. When George and Lennie arrive at the ranch, the boss is suspicious of the pair. Although he hires them, he questions why George doesn’t let Lennie speak. 

Expert Q&A

Why does the boss find George and Lennie's relationship unusual in Section 2?

Character Analysis of the Boss in "Of Mice and Men"

In John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, the boss is a minor yet significant character who embodies authority and distance from the migrant workers. He is portrayed as an angry and sometimes racist figure, evidenced by his frustration over George and Lennie's delayed arrival and his treatment of Crooks. Despite this, he shows occasional generosity, such as giving whiskey at Christmas. His suspicion of George's intentions towards Lennie highlights his skeptical nature and detachment from the workers' struggles during the Great Depression.

Whit

A friendly young laborer on the ranch, Whit enjoys playing cards and talking with the other workers. 

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes

Next

Analysis

Loading...