Main characters in ‘Of Mice And Men’ introduced in Section 2
Character Key features Comment
Candy Discriminated Candy is in a low position
because of his in the hierarchy of the
age people in the ranch,
mainly because he is old
and handicapped – he is
the representative of the
weak people.
The Boss He represents
the richer
people in the
society.
Curley Pugnacious, Curley is very hostile
aggressive towards George and
Lennie even in their first
meeting, showing signs
that he wants to fight
with them. It is clear that
he is the troublemaker
amongst the characters
in this story.
Curley’s wife Flirtatious, Firstly, Curley’s wife is
discriminated the only human main
character not given a
name, which shows that
women are not
considered as important
at the time of writing.
Also, she often flirts with
or tries to seduce the
workers in the ranch
although she is married
to Curley.
Slim Godlike, Although Slim is a
represents worker in the ranch, the
authority and description of his actions
the absolute show that he is different
truth from the other ranch
workers. He is the special
Quotation Page
“A tall, stoop- 36
shouldered man
came in” shows
that Candy is low
in the social
hierarchy.
“He wore blue 41
jean trousers, a
flannel shirt, a
black, unbuttoned
vest and a black
coat…and he wore
high-heeled boots
and spurs to
prove he was not
a labouring man.”
“His arms 46
gradually bent at
the elbows and
his hands closed
into fists… His
glance was as
once calculating
and pugnacious.”
“She smiled archly 53
and twitched her
body.”/ ”She put
her hands behind
her back and
leaned against the
door frame so
that her body was
thrown forward.”
“He moved with a 55, 56
majesty only
achieved by
royalty and
master craftsmen”
shows that Slim is
 one. Also, from his a majestic,
conversation with elegant person.
George, we can see that “His authority was
he is a rather friendly so great that his
and understanding word was taken
person. He gives hope to on any subject”
the abysmal situation shows that Slim
that George and Lennie represents the
are in. absolute truth
(which will be
shown later in the
book).
Carlson Ordinary ranch Carlson, as introduced in “A powerful, big- 57
worker Section 2, doesn’t seem stomached man
to be special – he gets on came” shows that
rather well with Slim, Carlson wasn’t a
George and Lennie. His weak person.
idea about killing
Candy’s old dog shows
that the environment in
the book is one of
natural selection – the
old and useless ones get
eliminated.
Crooks Discriminated He is referred to openly “Ya see the stable 40
because of his as “nigger” (which is buck’s a nigger” --
skin colour considered as an Candy
insulting word
nowadays).