Candy is the female version of McMurphy.  She is courageous, daring, and defiant towards authority.  Not too many women would have agreed to accompany McMurphy and a bunch of clinically labeled psychopaths on a fishing trip, but since she is an adrenaline junky always in search of an adventure, she couldn't pass it up. On the trip she and McMurphy show their defiance toward authority figures, such as the Nurse and the boat's captain.

Also, like McMurphy, Candy is a tough, street smart woman with a lot of life experience but seemingly little education.  Still, she shows a compassionate side that makes her connect with Billy Bibbit.  She works with McMurphy to increase Billy's self-esteem; unfortunately, though their intentions are good, they sometimes miss their mark, as in the case with Billy.