3.2.1

Minor Characters

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Minor Characters in Of Mice and Men

Minor characters in the novel include the Boss, Carlson and Whit.

Illustrative background for The BossIllustrative background for The Boss ?? "content

The Boss

  • The Boss is “a little stocky man” (Section 2) who is generally considered to be a “nice fella” (Section 2).
  • An example of his generosity is when he gave the men a “whole gallon” (Section 2) of whiskey at Christmas. Initially, the Boss is suspicious of George, and is worried he is taking advantage of Lennie’s mental weakness: "I said what stake you got in this guy? You takin' his pay away from him?” (The Boss, Section 2).
Illustrative background for CarlsonIllustrative background for Carlson ?? "content

Carlson

  • Carlson is one of the ranch workers and is described as a “powerful, big-stomached man” (Section 2).
  • His main involvement in the plot is when he kills Candy’s dog, something he almost seems to enjoy doing, showing him to be a tough and insensitive man. It is Carlson’s gun, his “luger”, which George uses to kill Lennie in the final section of the novel.
Illustrative background for WhitIllustrative background for Whit ?? "content

Whit

  • Whit is a young ranch worker. He has little involvement in the plot of the story, although he is sent to fetch the deputy sheriff when Curley’s wife’s body is found: “You go in Soledad an' get a cop. Get Al Wilts, he's deputy sheriff.” (Curley, Section 5)

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