Three-Act Plot Analysis

Act I

Lennie and George plan to get a job on a ranch near Soledad, California where they can earn some money. Alone together under the stars, the men talk of their shared dream to own their own little place, where George can have freedom and Lennie can have rabbits. This job seems a step in the direction of earning their way to their dream, and the possibilities are endless.

Act II

George and Lennie are on the ranch for only three days and already get a taste of its petty cruelty, competition, and general malaise. There’s a moment of hope, though, when Candy offers to pitch in some money, getting them closer to really buying their own little piece of land. Hope is shattered when Lennie is found to have accidentally killed Curley’s wife and left her body in the barn. Lennie has run away, but Curley is out for blood, and even Slim admits there’s got to be some consequences.

Act III

George, feeling he’s out of options to protect Lennie, misdirects the men and buys himself some time to get to Lennie first. He lulls Lennie into a comfortable, happy place talking of the dream farm, then quickly and mercifully shoots his friend in the back of the head. George’s friendship is destroyed, as is George and Lennie’s dream.