Character Analysis In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Walking the Line

George is not only one of the main characters in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, but he is also one of the most complex. He walks the line with an array of mixed emotions, such as his quick anger towards Lennie and then at key moments, he also shows his loving, compassionate side that we don’t always get to experience. This is the very complicated side to him due to his personal emotional distress. For example, having to take care of Lennie and then, due to disturbing events, he feels he needs to shoot him in order to protect him.. Although the story stops there, we can infer that particular situation causes George even more emotional damage, and adds to his overwhelming loneliness. He walks the line by portraying himself as a simple man, displaying his characteristics and past experiences which have molded him into a character that shows typical human behavior in a complex and inordinate way.
We can infer that George had a harsh past. This may have contributed to him being so discombobulated with his emotions. One minute he looks seemingly calm, but

For as long as he has been working he has been taking care of Lennie. He even told Slim “It ain’t so funny, him an’ me goin’ aroun’ together,” George said at last. “Him and me was both born in Auburn. I knowed his Aunt Clara. She took him when he was a baby and raised him up. When his Aunt Clara died, Lennie just come along with me out workin’. Got kinda used to each other after a little while”(39-40). Even though Lennie isn’t physically handicapped, he’s a challenge for George because it’s the constant reassurance he needs to give to Lennie that emotionally affects him. George cannot hold a long conversation. He can’t even play cards with Lennie! Over time, Lennie not being able to handle simple tasks will cause George even more stress of having to constantly take care of