What are Candy's strengths and weaknesses, as well as his external and internal conflicts in Of Mice and Men?

The "old swamper," Candy is a handyman who has lost one hand in an accident on the ranch. Much like his old sheep dog, Candy has outlived much of his usefulness. But, he is a kind man and offers friendship to George and Lennie.

Strengths

• Candy is a likable man; he knows the gossip of the ranch, and he enjoys talking to the men. For instance, when George and Lennie arrive, Candy informs them that the boss expected them last night and "[W]as sore as hell when you wasn't here to go out this morning." Later, however, he tells them that the boss is "a pretty nice fella" because he brings all the workers a gallon of whisky at Christmas time.  


• He is loyal, as is his old dog, and he is fairly trustworthy. When Candy re-enters the bunkhouse after the boss departs, he tells the pair that he was just outside, scratching his dog and not eavesdropping.


• Candy offers his friendship and fraternity as he advises George about Curley, mentioning his abilities and his weaknesses. He also informs George about Curley's wife. Candy is excited about the idea of owning a little farm; he offers his life savings, giving George hope for the first time of making the dream farm a reality. So firm is Candy in his desire for this farm, that even after Curley's wife is killed, he begs George to continue to plan with him.

Weaknesses 

• Candy is handicapped and old. In the harsh times in which he lives, Candy worries that he may be fired for no longer being useful.


• If the men do get a farm, there will be little that Candy can do.


• He has no influence in deterring Curley's wife from staying in the barn when she intrudes upon the men as they talk in Crooks's room.

External Conflicts

• Candy does not really want to have his dog put down, but Carlson is too big and strong for him to oppose the man's taking the dog outside and shooting it.


• When Crooks argues that the dream farm will never materialize, Candy becomes angry: "...we're gonna do it. George says we are. We got the money right now." 


• When Curley's wife comes into the barn, Candy opposes her intrusion into their little brotherhood, 

"Maybe you just better go along an' roll your hoop. We ain't got nothing to say to you at all. We know what we got, and we don't care whether you know it or not."

However, he loses against her as she threatens Crooks by saying that he better keep his place, and when Candy tells her that he and Lennie will verify that he has not done anything, Curley's wife laughs and says, "Tell an' be damned....Nobody'd listen to you an' you know it."

Internal Conflicts 

• Candy worries that he will be declared useless, much like his old dog, and sent away from the ranch.


• When he stops outside Crooks's room, Candy struggles with whether he should enter after never having done so before. When Crooks irritably invites him, Candy feels embarrassed. 


• He is very anxious about what the rest of his life will be like, especially after Curley's wife dies and the hope of the dream is threatened.