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Of Mice and Men: Complete Character Analysis Study Guide

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men uses tight, purpose-driven characters to explore loneliness, power, and the American Dream. Whether you’re prepping for a quiz or drafting an essay, understanding each character’s role is critical to acing your work. This guide breaks down core figures and gives you a study framework to apply their traits to assignments.

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Core Character Breakdowns

Start with the story’s central pair: George, the sharp, pragmatic caretaker, and Lennie, his large, childlike companion whose strength leads to unintended harm. Next, focus on Curley, the aggressive, insecure ranch owner’s son; Curley’s Wife, the isolated, unfulfilled woman desperate for connection; Slim, the wise, respected ranch hand who serves as a moral compass; and Candy, the aging, disabled worker clinging to his place on the ranch. Each character represents a distinct facet of 1930s working-class struggle.

Study Structure for Assignments

For class discussions, create a 3-column chart: character name, core trait, and how their trait drives conflict. For quizzes, memorize which characters represent key themes (e.g., Candy embodies fear of abandonment). For essays, pick 2-3 characters and analyze their foil relationships—like George’s responsibility vs. Lennie’s innocence, or Curley’s cruelty vs. Slim’s empathy— to deepen your thematic argument.

Key Character Trait & Theme Links

Map each character to the story’s core themes to strengthen your analysis. Lennie’s innocence highlights the fragility of the American Dream. Curley’s Wife’s isolation underscores the loneliness of itinerant ranch life. Slim’s quiet authority contrasts the arbitrary power of men like Curley. These connections are the backbone of top-scoring essays and insightful class contributions.

Common Analysis Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t reduce characters to one trait: Curley’s Wife isn’t just a “troublemaker”—she’s a victim of limited opportunities. Avoid ignoring minor characters, too: Candy’s old dog mirrors his own fear of being discarded, adding critical thematic weight. Always tie character actions back to broader social or thematic ideas, rather than just describing their behavior.

Which character is the best example of the American Dream’s failure?

Both George and Lennie embody this failure, but Lennie’s tragic arc most clearly shows how systemic barriers and human error shatter even the most modest, shared dreams.

How do foil characters work in Of Mice and Men?

Foil characters highlight each other’s traits: for example, Curley’s small, aggressive stature and bullying behavior contrast Lennie’s large, gentle frame and peaceful intentions, emphasizing the gap between power and morality.

Do I need to analyze minor characters for essays?

Yes—minor characters like Candy or Carlson add layers to the story’s themes of abandonment and cruelty, and including them can make your analysis more nuanced and persuasive.

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