Characterization is the process by which an author reveals the personality traits that belong to a character. Authors may describe a character indirectly or directly, and use the actions of the character throughout the story to reveal the character’s values and individual traits. In John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, the personalities of the characters are revealed through detailed descriptions of their actions, private thoughts, and the way other characters react to them.
In a novel with a short yet eventful plot such as Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck makes use of his characters’ actions to paint a picture of their unique personalities. Steinbeck’s characterization of Carlson exemplifies the method of using a character’s actions to reveal more about them. For example, Carlson shot Candy’s aging dog when he felt that it no longer served a purpose. To Carlson, he felt as though his actions were helpful, which reveals that he is more of a pessimistic man who did the wrong thing with the right intentions. These actions by Carlson also reveal his lack of empathy. As he doesn’t change throughout the novel and remains static, the actions Steinbeck made Carlson perform tell the reader a lot about his personality.
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Steinbeck employs this method to characterize Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife reveals that her loneliness and longing for attention due to her failing marriage as she asks Lennie, “‘Why can’t I talk to you? I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely.’” (Steinbeck, 86) Curley’s wife goes on to explain her longing to talk to the ranch workers due to her unsatisfying marriage. Her private thoughts and some background about her marriage are revealed, giving the reader deeper insight into her