Slim, a "[b]ig tall skinner" is first mentioned when George and Lennie, the main characters of the story, hear about him from a ranch hand (28). "Hell of a nice fella. Slim don't need to wear no high-heeled boots on a grain team" (32). This being said about Slim from someone who works under him, shows that Slim is respected. He doesn't have to wear "high-heeled boots" in order to get authority. He already has it, and the respect of the men.

The second physical description of Slim is the first time George and Lennie see him.

A tall man stood in the doorway. He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back. . . .When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch. . .There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all tal

Steinbeck describes Slim's tone as ". . .friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it" (Steinbeck 38). This shows how approachable and friendly Slim is. He radiates trustworthy vibes. He sends out the message that you can trust him without actually saying they can trust him. People feel as if they can talk to him about anything and he will give you an honest opinion, or just listen while you spill emotions and stories.

In this conversation, Slim's understanding and trustworthy qualities emerge. At first, he doesn't really understand why Lennie and George travel around together. Everyone in the past has been hardened by traveling around from ranch to ranch looking for work. Yet he has never seen a bond like he sees with George and Lennie. He gains George's confidence by being understanding and not pushing George for answers. He is sympathetic and understanding of George's situation. Lennie would not be able to make it on his own and Slim knows that. This also shows insight about Slim's take on society. He believes that sometimes even the smartest people are mean; yet some of the nicest people are not the smartest.

George is worried that he and Lennie would get fired because of Curley being the son of the boss. Slim thinks otherwise, he won't let it happen.

Slim shares many of the characteristics of a good leader, such as sensitivity, understanding, respect, grace, trustworthy, powerful yet delicate, and emotional strength. Steinbeck shows Slim's many sides in order to make him a well-rounded character and a leader. Physical and personality traits often tell what kind of person someone is.

Slim smiled wryly. He knelt down beside Curley. "You got your senses in hand enough to listen?" he asked. Curley nodded. "well, then listen," Slim went on. "I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened, we ain't going to. But you jus' tell an' try to get this guy canned and we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh."

Slim is the only one that sympathizes with George. Everyone else had no idea what Lennie meant to George, except Slim. He shows his understanding and sensitive side. Throughout the story, Slim is the leader, the strong one, that tells everyone what to do. Yet he didn't make the decision to kill Lennie, yet he is supporting George. He shows that he will stick by his friends no matter what. He is loyal and sensitive.

When Candy decides to have Carlson kill his dog, Slim has an influence in the decision. As Carlson leads the dog out, Slim reminds Carlson to bring a shovel.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1809
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)