George Milton

The two main characters of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, George Milton and Lenny Small, are two men traveling across the country, from job to job, just to survive. But unlike the many other men in this position, Lenny and George have escaped the loneliness that comes with this lifestyle, because they have each other, and have formed a family-like bond. Of the two, George is motivated, protective, modest and quick-tempered, while Lenny is slow, but loveable and kind. Lenny depends of George for guidance and security, but in a way, Lenny is a life raft for George as well. As much as George likes to complain about how “if [he] was alone [he] could live so easy”, and how Lenny is nothing but a burden, George remains patient and kindhearted as ever, because everyone needs someone. As hard of a worker as George is, he is unpretentious about his abilities, claiming Lenny is the strong one, and if he himself were “even a little bit smart” he would be living a more satisfying life. However, George is working towards the life he desires, with Lenny at his side. They dream to one day have a farm of their own, with crops and animals they can call their own. Together, they have a dream to “live off the fat of the land”. Throughout the story, George is consistently caring, faithful, and proud, all the while working towards and defending against his and Lenny’s aspirations to one day start up a life not dependant on anything but their own land.