Of Mice and Men is a novel written by John Steinbeck and published in 1937. The story takes place during the Great Depression and follows two itinerant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they travel from place to place looking for work. Despite their differences, the two men have a close bond and rely on each other for companionship and support.
One of the main characters in the novel is George Milton, a small, wiry man with sharp features and quick, nervous movements. Despite his small stature, George is intelligent and resourceful, often taking on the role of protector and provider for Lennie. Despite his love for Lennie, George is also frustrated by Lennie's mental disability and the burden it places on him.
Lennie Small is the other main character in the novel. Lennie is a large, powerful man with a childlike innocence and a love for soft things. Lennie has a mental disability and is unable to understand the consequences of his actions, which often leads to trouble for both himself and George. Despite his limitations, Lennie is a kind and gentle soul, and his love for George is pure and unwavering.
Other characters in the novel include Candy, an elderly swamper who lost his hand in an accident and is desperate to hold onto his dignity; Curley, the boss's aggressive and jealous son; Curley's wife, a lonely woman who is isolated on the ranch and yearns for companionship; Slim, a skilled mule driver who is respected by all; and Crooks, a black stable hand who is isolated because of his race.
Each of these characters is complex and fully realized, and they all play important roles in the story. Candy's loneliness and desperation drive him to offer financial support to George and Lennie's dream of owning their own ranch. Curley's jealousy and anger drive him to confront Lennie and ultimately leads to the tragic end of the novel. Curley's wife's loneliness and isolation drive her to seek companionship, which ultimately leads to her own tragic end. Slim's intelligence and kindness provide a contrast to the other characters, and Crooks' isolation and bitterness provide a commentary on the racism of the time.
Overall, the characters in Of Mice and Men are a diverse and fully realized group, each with their own unique desires, flaws, and motivations. Despite their differences, they are all connected by their shared experiences of loneliness and isolation in a harsh and unforgiving world.