Analysis Of George's Character In Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

George’s character does not really change during the book. However, the reader’s opinion of him starts to view him as a loving, caring figure. This change of opinion is the result of more of his character being revealed. At the start of the book he just seems like an everyday person looking for work. However, his relationship with Lennie shows a warm, brother-like character. Evidence of this is when George says “No-look! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. Cause I want you to stay with me.” (Steinbeck page 13). Lennie would attempt to manipulate George with guilt. Thus, George’s feeling of love and concern for Lennie’s well being are demonstrated. He knows that Lennie could not take care of himself so he begins to regret what he said. Another example is towards the end of the book. ”The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied” (Steinbeck page 106). During that event George is scared to kill Lennie and is feeling too scared to pull the trigger. Additionally, George mercy killed Lennie because it was the right thing to do. Looking at

George’s care for Lennie is also fulfilling a promise he made to Aunt Clara, who was Lennie’s caretaker for a period of time. This can be seen when George says “Lennie-if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the brush...Hide in the brush till I come for you”(Steinbeck page 15). We see that George tells Lennie to hide in the area they are staying in. He wants to prevent any harm being done to Lennie, because most of the time people tend to just want to kill him. His care of Lennie is also his keeping his word to her.

Assuming George did not shoot Lennie, Curley probably would have done it. Curly’s method would have been more likely to be much more gruesome. After Lennie kills Curley’s wife, Curley says “I’ll kill the big son-of-a-bitch myself. I’ll shoot ‘im in the guts” ( Steinbeck page