The character of Curley in
“Of Mice and Men”
By Rachel, Rachael, Lauren &
Emily
Behaviour
Curley behaves in an aggressive way, like he’s always looking
for a fight as his way of getting attention. He starts fights over
anything, usually with bigger people.
Chapter 2
This shows he sees everyone as
lower than him and expects
responses and respect when spoken
to.
Appearance
Chapter 2
“a thin young man with a brown face,
with brown eyes and a head of tightly
curled hair”
Chapter 2
Key things Curley says
“ill kill that big son-of-a-bitch myself”
Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Key things other people say
about Curley
Chapter 2
“well curleys pretty handy…never did seem
right to me”
“Well, I tell you what – curley says
he’s keeping that hand soft for his
wife”
Chapter 2
Curleys purpose in the book
Curley represents the way that people in
a way forced to respect him because of
his dads authority, they don’t want to
respect him but they haven't a choice.
Where as someone like Slim, who has a
lot of respect from the people, has
gained respect due to being a more
sympathetic and being easier to get on
with.
How Steinbeck portrays Curley
Steinbeck also makes him out to be quite wimpy when
threatened, and tries to use violence as his way of
getting what he wants.
Curley’s name has significance to his
character and appearance as the curls in
his hair represent how he’s tightly wound
up and has temper issues, but isn't weak.
“Curley lashed his body around”
Significance of Curleys
name
Chapter 2
This shows he’s quite
violent, arrogant and
has no respect for
people who he expects
respect from.
Their dreams
• not having to worry about his height and size
compared to the other workers.
• Gain respect from the workers, and not feel
powerless amongst them
• have respect and faith from his wife and not have her
needing to flirt around with the other workers.
Key events they’re involved in
•Lennie and George meet Curley
“His eyes passed over the new men
and he stopped. He glanced coldly
at George and then at Lennie.”
Chapter 2
•Curley squares up to Lennie
“Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on
your feet.” Chapter 3
•Curley asks Slim if he has seen his
wife
“Well, I didn’t mean nothing Slim. I
just ast you.” Chapter 4
•Curley gets his hand crushed by
Lennie
“Curley’s fist was swinging when
Lennie reached for it.” Chapter 4
•Curley goes after lennie (in hope of
killing him)
“Ill kill the big son-of-a-bitch
myself.” Chapter 6