George is a caring man despite his outward behavior and appearance. After Lennie's Aunt Clara died he agreed to watch after Lennie. He stuck to his promise and was with Lennie up until he died. George is driven by this promise and his desire for the simple life; neither of these drives met any good however. Lennie was so helpless in the face of the world and its dangers that he needed a character like …showed first 75 words of 624 total…

…showed last 75 words of 624 total…George's compassion is what caused him to stick it out with Lennie. He needed to protect Lennie because the rest of the world would tear him apart. George is tested again and again, but continued to hold a strong bond with his friend and make Lennie's life as enjoyable as possible. George's immense compassion is what caused him to kill Lennie in the end, for he wished to spare Lennie a long and painful death.