Keyword Guide · character-analysis

Of Mice & Men: Complete Character Guide for Students

Steinbeck's Of Mice & Men uses a tight cast of characters to explore loneliness, power, and the American Dream. This guide breaks down each key figure, their motivations, and their role in the story’s themes, so you can ace quizzes, essays, and class talks. We’ve also included structured study tips to make analyzing these characters straightforward.

Get Readi.AI (iOS) Open App Redirect

what are the characters from mice & men study illustration

Core Protagonists: George Milton & Lennie Small

George is a sharp, pragmatic ranch hand who takes care of Lennie, despite his frustration with the extra responsibility. He’s haunted by the gap between his dreams of independence and his loyalty to Lennie. Lennie is a large, gentle man with an intellectual disability, fixated on tending rabbits. His childlike innocence and lack of impulse control drive much of the story’s conflict. Together, they represent the fragile bond between companions in a world that rewards self-reliance.

Ranch Hands & Secondary Characters

Candy is an aging, one-handed ranch hand who clings to his old dog, a symbol of his own fear of being discarded. Crooks, a Black stable hand, lives isolated from the other men due to racial segregation; he’s bitter but craves connection. Slim is the skilled, respected mule driver—his quiet authority makes him the story’s moral compass, often mediating conflicts between the other men. Carlson is a harsh, pragmatic worker who prioritizes practicality over empathy.

Antagonists & Foils

Curley is the boss’s small, aggressive son, who uses his power to bully larger men (especially Lennie) to compensate for his insecurities. Curley’s Wife, the only female character, is never given a name—this underscores her isolation and objectification. She’s lonely and desperate for attention, which leads to tragic consequences. Both characters highlight the cruelty and emptiness of the ranch’s hierarchical social structure.

Study Structure for Character Analysis

For essays or class discussions, use this framework: 1. Link each character to a central theme (e.g., Crooks and loneliness, Curley and power). 2. Note how characters act as foils (e.g., George’s pragmatism vs. Lennie’s idealism). 3. Track character development (or lack thereof) to show Steinbeck’s commentary on stagnation. For quizzes, create flashcards pairing each character with their core motivation and key story actions.

Why is Curley’s Wife never given a name?

Steinbeck’s choice emphasizes her status as a possession rather than an individual. It reflects the sexism of the 1930s ranch life, where she’s viewed solely through her relationship to Curley, not her own wants or needs.

How do George and Lennie’s relationship reveal the story’s themes?

Their rare, loyal bond contrasts with the loneliness of the other ranch hands, highlighting the importance of connection in a harsh, individualistic world. Their shattered dream also underscores the futility of the American Dream for working-class people in the Great Depression.

What role does Slim play in the story?

Slim is the story’s moral center. His quiet wisdom and respect for others set him apart from the ranch’s more cruel or self-serving men. He’s one of the only characters who understands and accepts George and Lennie’s bond, making him a symbol of what empathy could look like in a broken system.

Continue in App

Ace Your Of Mice & Men Assignments with Readi.AI

Download the Readi.AI iOS app (id6758831794) to get instant character breakdowns, essay outlines, and quiz prep tools tailored to Of Mice & Men. It’s the perfect study buddy for high school and college lit students, designed to save you time and boost your grades.

Download on App Store Explore Features