George Milton, a clever man with a small but agile body, represents a large population of Depression-era farmhands in search of work. He is the protagonist of the novella and a dynamic character. What sets George apart from other migrant workers in need of employment is his friendship with Lennie Small. This connection to Lennie keeps George aware of his personal good fortune to have a sound mind and body and provides George with human companionship. George looks after Lennie with the devotion of a family member but at times, feels that Lennie is a burden to him. George’s love for Lennie and his commitment to their friendship and their joint dream of running a farm together exacerbates the poignancy of Lennie’s death in Chapter 6. Ironically, Lennie’s death, though undesired by George, frees George to pursue his dreams unencumbered by a relationship that has proven over time to be a serious liability to George.

Lennie Small is a migrant worker like George, and he is a static character. Lennie is a physically intimidating man, being large and powerfully built, but his intellectual disability means he has the outlook and sensibility of a child.