George Milton is a complex and dynamic character in John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men." He is a hardworking, intelligent, and resourceful man who has been forced to take on a caretaking role for his mentally disabled friend, Lennie Small. Despite the challenges and difficulties that this role brings, George remains fiercely loyal to Lennie and is determined to protect him at all costs.
One of the most striking aspects of George's character is his intelligence. He is a quick thinker and is able to adapt to new situations and solve problems effectively. This is demonstrated when he and Lennie are on the run from their previous job and have to come up with a plan to find a new place to work. George is able to come up with a convincing story to tell the ranch owner and secure a job for both him and Lennie.
Despite his intelligence and resourcefulness, George is also a deeply troubled and frustrated man. He is constantly struggling with the burden of caring for Lennie, who is completely reliant on him for everything. This responsibility can be overwhelming at times and George often expresses his frustration and resentment towards Lennie. However, he also has a deep love and affection for Lennie and is fiercely loyal to him. This loyalty is demonstrated when George is faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to kill Lennie to spare him from a worse fate. In the end, George decides to do what is best for Lennie, even though it means going against his own desires and beliefs.
George's complex character is also revealed through his relationships with other characters in the novel. He has a strong bond with Lennie and is fiercely protective of him. However, he also has strained relationships with other characters, such as Candy and Curley's wife. He is cautious and mistrusting of Candy's offer to join their dream of owning their own ranch, and he is also wary of getting involved with Curley's wife, knowing that it could lead to trouble.
Overall, George Milton is a multifaceted character with a range of strengths and weaknesses. He is intelligent and resourceful, but also deeply troubled and frustrated by the challenges of caring for Lennie. Despite these challenges, he remains fiercely loyal to Lennie and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect him.