George

George is Lennie’s protector

George id described as the “first man” and Lennie the "follower”, we immediately learn the power dynamics, George aims to protect Lennie and look after him. George acts as a father, an example would be when he says “don’t drink so much…you gonna be sick”, he scolds him like a child, even when his temper is testes its Lennie’s interests that he has in mind. Whilst talking to Slim he reveals that he wasn’t kind to him as a child and he explains how he deeply regretted his actions as Lennie was so kind towards him. George says “I ain’t done nothing like that no more”, this occurred at the Sacramento river, the word sacrament means sacred significance. Steinbeck is painting this moment as significant, where George realises the moral duty that come with power. He has power over lennie as his much more intelligent and he realises that Lennie is vulnerable and he need to take care of him.

George is Short-tempered

George can be quite mean, for example when he calls Lennie a “crazy bastard”, his aggression juxtaposes with the paternal role he takes on. Then he goes on about the best life he would have without him in the quote “when i think of the crazy time I’d have without you, I go nuts”, really shows George’s insensitivity.