George and Lennie have differing views of Curley's wife. George sees her as dangerous, calling her a "tramp" and "jail bait," and warns Lennie to stay away from her. Lennie, however, finds her attractive, saying she's "purty," but he also senses danger, urging George to leave the ranch. Curley's wife ultimately contributes to the trouble Lennie faces, leading to tragic events on the ranch.

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.

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."

Steinbeck describes Curley's wife more sympathetically after her death to evoke pity and challenge the reader's initial negative perception of her. In life, she is depicted as a "tart," but in death, her features seem softer and more innocent. This shift encourages readers to see her as a victim, highlighting the tragedy of her situation and deepening the narrative's complexity.

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.

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.

In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses dialogue and dramatic irony to convey Curley's wife's ambition to be an actress and the futility of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.