LESSON 5

Chapter 2 Characterization

Candy

Candy is the old swamper. Candy is the first of the workers on the ranch that we meet. He lost
his hand working on the ranch and since then he has been sweeping and doing odd jobs here and
there because they cannot fire him. Candy represents the fear that everyone has of remaining on
the ranch and not being able to make enough money to get a job somewhere better and make
their lives better.

Curly

Curly gets his name from his head of tightly curled hair. He is the son of the Boss. He tries to
bully Lennie.
The Boss

When we first meet the boss, he is mad that Lennie and George got to his ranch a couple hours
late. He is described as having the short quick steps of a fat-legged man. This description implies
that the boss himself doesn't do much work out in the fields. The boss is sceptical of Lennie and
George because George talks for Lennie ‘All right. But don't try to put nothing over, cause you
can't get away with nothing’

Curly

Curly is the boss’ son. Curly comes into the bunk house looking for his father. When he walks in
he isn't wearing the "uniform" that everyone else is wearing. All the other workers are wearing
jeans and denim, Curly walks in wearing high-heeled boots, like his father. This implies that he
is richer that the rest of the workers.

Curly’s wife

Curly's wife is not very trustworthy or loyal to her husband and you can tell from the beginning.

George says, ""Yeah? Married two weeks and already got the eye?
Carlson

Carlson is head strong and stubborn as a mule. When he wants something to be done, he either
does it himself, or pesters other people until they will do it for him. He is described as a
"powerful, big-stomached man". He is important to this story because he can easily persuade
someone to do somethings. Using his manipulative nature, he can convince someone to sabotage
their job, their future, or their friendships.

Slim

"His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, whether it be politics or love"

This shows that people look up to Slim. He was what they wanted to be. They listened to Slim
and obeyed him. This is what made him the prince of the ranch rather than Curly. People just
rolled their eyes at Curly and moved on with their life, but with Slim, they listened.

When Slim enters a room, everyone notices. He is the "prince of the ranch" Slim is described as
tall and lean with a majesty only achieved by royalty.