Of Mice and Men is a novella written by John Steinbeck, published in 1937. The story is set during the Great Depression and follows the lives of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they travel from ranch to ranch in search of work. Despite its short length, the novella is rich in character development and themes, making it a classic work of literature.
One of the main characters in Of Mice and Men is George Milton, a small, wiry man who serves as the protector and caregiver for Lennie Small, a large, mentally disabled man. Despite the burden that Lennie's care puts on him, George is fiercely loyal to Lennie and often speaks of their shared dream of one day owning a small farm where they can "live off the fatta the lan'" and "not have to answer to nobody." However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that George's loyalty is not solely driven by a sense of duty or affection for Lennie, but also by a deep sense of loneliness and the desire for companionship.
Lennie Small, the other main character in the novella, is a simple-minded man who is deeply devoted to George and relies on him for guidance and protection. Lennie's mental disability makes him childlike and naive, and he often gets into trouble because of his inability to control his actions or understand the consequences of his behavior. Despite his limitations, Lennie has a strong affection for animals, particularly mice, and he is often found stroking and talking to them in a soothing manner.
Another important character in Of Mice and Men is Candy, an elderly ranch hand who lost his hand in an accident and is fearful of being fired as a result. Candy is initially skeptical of George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm, but he eventually offers to contribute his life savings to the venture in the hope that it will give him a sense of purpose and belonging. Candy's desire to be a part of the dream highlights the theme of the American Dream and the need for hope and purpose in the face of difficult circumstances.
Other notable characters in the novella include Curley, the aggressive and suspicious ranch owner's son; Curley's wife, a lonely and isolated woman who is desperate for companionship; and Slim, a skilled mule driver who is respected and admired by the other ranch hands.
Overall, the characters in Of Mice and Men are complex and well-developed, with each one possessing their own unique strengths, flaws, and desires. Despite their differences, they are all united by their shared experiences of loneliness, isolation, and the search for a better life. Through their interactions and relationships with each other, the characters explore themes of friendship, loneliness, the American Dream, and the importance of human connection in a harsh and unforgiving world.