George Milton

Living… in California, trying to rustle up enough cash to start his life over. George, like most migrant farm workers, lives hand to mouth. Unlike the other workers, though, he’s got a dream—to own a little piece of his own land—and a friend, Lennie, who will help him realize that dream.

Visiting… Soledad, California. George and Lennie had to drop their old job, where Lennie got them into a bit of trouble. The mentally challenged Lennie, who has a predilection for stroking soft things, never means any harm, but that’s sometimes difficult to explain to employers.

Profession… farmhand and aspiring farm owner. George and Lennie have a plan. When the get enough money together they’re going to get their own little farm and live off “the fat of the land.”

Interests… aside from a good game of solitaire, George’s only interest is in his friendship with Lennie. George knows that guys “who work on ranches are the lonliest guys in the world. They ain’t got no family and they don’t belong no place.” But he and Lennie, “ain’t like that. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody cares.”

Challenge… protecting the vulnerable Lennie. George doesn’t just need Lennie – he truly cares for him. The accident-prone Lennie needs to be looked after, and George sees it as his duty to do so.

Personality… intelligent, caring and realistic. George was cynical until he met Lennie, who gives him hope for the future. By caring for Lennie, George has found meaning in his life – he just needs to make sure that his friend stops making deadly mistakes.