Lennie Small is a fictional character from John Steinbeck's novella, "Of Mice and Men." He is depicted as a large, strong man with a mental disability, which affects his understanding of the world around him. Lennie's childlike demeanor and inability to control his physical strength lead to various challenges throughout the story. Lennie has a deep affection for soft things, such as rabbits and petting animals, which symbolizes his desire for comfort and companionship. His relationship with George Milton, his caretaker and friend, highlights themes of friendship and responsibility, as George often protects Lennie from the consequences of his actions.