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Exposition
George is described as a quick and small man with tired eyes and strong features. Lennie is described as huge, a heavy walk and is compared to a bear. Both men are traveling to a work ranch but are forced to stay near a river because of bad directions. George seems to always protect Lennie, since Lennie is slow and does not stay out of trouble. Also Lennie slows George down and it bothers George but he still does it since he only has him to care for. -
Conflict; Lennie
The main conflict is that Lennie doesn't seem to fit in the world. His curiousity has led him into a lot of trouble and it not only affects him, but also George. Even though Lennie is a strong, hard worker he is not the brightest when it comes to everything else. Lennie means to do no harm to anyone or anything, but out of fear he harms them. People do not comprehend Lennie's actions, like George does, which stirs problems. -
Rising Action; Fight & Puppy Killed
Once Lennie and George arrived at the work ranch Curley had it out for Lennie just because he was big and he was small. At night, Curley tries to fight Lennie, but Lennie does not want to. After some time, George makes him fight Curley and Lennie ends up breaking his hand, andCurley stays quiet. The next day, Lennie is playing with his new pup, the dog bites him and squeezes it until it dies. The death of the puppy foreshadows an upcoming death. -
Falling Action; The Hunt
Candy goes into the barn and finds Curley's Wife's body covered with hay. He quickly goes and tells George, George then goes back to where he was and Candy yells to the other men. The men coming running in, along with George, and are surprised in what they find. Curley right away blames Lennie. Curley is obviously angered and gathers the men to search and kill Lennie. -
Resolution; George Kills Lennie
George knows where Lennie will be hiding. He goes with Curley and the group to search for Lennie, but sends them in a different direction. George then find Lennie and they begin talking about the dreams they had. Lennie is surprised that George is not mad at him and is happy as they are talking. George at this time is sad and very cautious. He raises the gun to Lennie's head and fires it, automatically killing him. The story ends when the men catch up and Slim talks to a frightened George. -
Turning Point; Lennie Kills Curley's Wife
After Lennie kills the pup, Curley's Wife comes into the barn and talks to him. Lennie does not want to since he was warned to stay away from her. Curley's Wife lets Lennie play with her hair, as he is easily interested in soft things. Lennie begins to stroke it too hard and she begins struggling. In confusion Lennie hold her tightly and then shakes her head and breaks her neck. Lennie did not mean to do it since he is unaware of the strength that he has.
