1. Characterisation: Limited Characters and Elaborate Descriptions
To ease the transition from prose to theatrical text, Steinbeck has used a limited number of characters in his novella. This is coupled with the inclusion of minimal characters in scenes. There tends to be never more than four or five characters in the scene at once. By only using a limited number of characters, Steinbeck is able to go into greater detail for each (the only exception being The Boss, who only appears once) For example, when Chapter 4 opens, Crooks is sitting in his room applying liniment to his back. Next, Lennie appears in the open doorway, waiting to be asked in. Eventually, other characters make entrances: Candy and Curley's wife. Then Curley's wife exits, George enters, and the three men exit, leaving Crooks alone once again.

2. Characterisation: Authentic dialogue - Americanisms
The vernacular language used in Of Mice and Men is one of the most salient (noticeable) features of the novella. The language is a social marker for the men working together. All the characters in the novella speak in the same way, no one speaks with more refinement (think the boss)

3. Characterisation: Elaborate descriptions
Each character in Of Mice and Men is purposefully and specifically described by Steinbeck. These elaborate character descriptions are designed to help Introduce the character, aid in the portrayal of the character and guide the director in how to cast the actor who will play the character. Often authors included specific characters as they believe them to exhibit characteristics needed in the play. (Think Slim as the voice of reason). Characters also help to develop themes in novels and plays. Had Steinbeck only written limited descriptions the transition from prose text to a theatrical one would have been much more difficult.