George Milton

John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is the story of two friends, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, in The Great Depression. These were hard times, and throughout everything all George and Lennie had were each other. Because Lennie is rather slow and childlike, he needs the guidance of George to keep him in line and out of trouble. George is quick-witted and intelligent, but depends on Lennie's strength to keep them both employed. George acts impatient and fed-up with Lennie at times, but even then, his compassionate side comes out to ease the hurt he has inflicted upon his friend. Whenever Lennie takes personally what George has said, the only way to make it better is for George to apologize and tell Lennie that one day they'll be able to "live off the fatta the lan'," of their own ranch, where Lennie will have hundreds of bunnies to take care of. Throughout the tale, one would see George's harshness towards Lennie lessening and becoming more misguided concern. George is not as harsh as he seems, and many of the characters take an almost immediate like to him, despite his mistrusting nature. George is many things, and a loyal friend is definitely one of them. His protection and understanding of Lennie is what allows the other workers to accept Lennie.