Of Mice and Men

Main Characters and Their Development

• George Milton - an intelligent and caring worker who dreams of a better life. He looks after Lennie despite his challenges and strives to protect him from trouble. George develops as a character, showing deep devotion and responsibility, but in the end, he is forced to make a difficult decision for Lennie's sake.
• Lennie Small - a physically strong but mentally challenged man who dreams of simple pleasures, such as tending to rabbits. His naivety and lack of understanding of his strength lead to tragic consequences. Lennie remains unchanged in his simplicity and kindness, but his actions set off a chain of events leading to tragedy.
• Candy - an old worker who fears being cast aside due to his uselessness. He hopes for a better future by joining George and Lennie's dream of owning a piece of land. Candy symbolizes the fear of aging and loneliness.
• Crooks - a black worker who is isolated due to racism. He is intelligent and proud but forced to live in solitude. His development shows the struggle for dignity and hope for a better future.
• Curley - the aggressive and jealous son of the ranch owner. He is constantly looking for fights and trying to assert his authority. His development shows the toxicity of power and insecurity.
• Curley's wife - an unnamed woman who dreams of a better life and attention. She is lonely and unhappy in her marriage, leading to her tragic fate. Her development shows desperation and a longing for freedom.