In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" George Milton is the main character. In the beginning of the book he comes across as small, short - tempered, and maybe even a little mean when he yells at Lennie for drinking the water and then, again, when Lennie asks him where they're going. "So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I? ... You're a crazy bastard!". He is constantly telling Lennie how much easier his life would be if only he didn't have to look after Lennie.
As the story moves on you realize that George may be those things but he is also Lennie's companion, and a loving and devoted friend. Even though he tells Lennie how much easier it would be he would never abandon him, not for anything. We learn that during his childhood he was not so quick to help Lennie.
Lennie James
Lennie James
Lennie JamesHe tells Slim the story of nearly harming Lennie for his own enjoyment. But he learned a lesson from this and Lennie was none the wiser.
George's own dream, his dream of owning his own place some day, is tied in with his friendship to Lennie. He longs for freedom, the freedom of not having to answer to other people. To have a safe haven for himself and Lennie. A place where they wouldn't have to worry about people who would only persecute Lennie for being different from others. But if it were not for Lennie then it might have already happened. However, with out him it wouldnt be the same dream. By retelling this dream over and over to George he believes that it will truly happen. When George shoots Lennie he spares his lifelong friend a worse death and puts to rest his dream of the perfect...