Crooks

'The negro stable buck' P75

Crooks is the only black member of the ranch.

He is therefore segregated from the other men and discriminated against.

'Crooks was a proud, aloof man' P76

Crooks tries to keep himself distant from the other men.

He is not ashamed of who he is.

He does often feel lonely and isolated.

'Being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men.' P75

Because the ranch needs a stable hand and it is an important role, Crooks' job is more secure.

But also because he is physically disabled, he would probably not be able to find another place to work if he was turned away.

'It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger' P84

Crooks knows that he shouldn't be happy that Lennie wants to come into his room, but he cannot contain his excitement because he craves companionship.

'Crooks said irritably "You can come in if you want."' P84

'His body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine, and his eyes lay deep in his head' P76

Crooks is apprehensive to allow Lennie inside his room.

This is the one place in the ranch that Crooks feels safe to be in, because it is his personal place; having Lennie come in, he is worried about how Lennie will react.

Crooks is physically handicapped with a crooked spine.

The emphasis on his eyes suggests pain behind them.

He is at a disadvantage because of his spine, which inhibits the amount of physical work he is able to do