CHARACTERIZE SLIM
In Chapter three of Of Mice and Men, the reader sees the characterization of Slim through his
interactions with various ranchers.
Below you will find an outline that will help you create a paragraph about Slim’s indirect characterization.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate information.
1. Beginning of Chapter 3
Describe/explain how Slim acts during his confidential conversation with George. (Pages 39-41)
Slim is (make an inference about Slim’s character)
Trustworthy, engaged, caring, understanding, fair, curious-in a friendly way
This is seen in the quote (select an appropriate quote that demonstrates this character trait)
Engaged—“Slim neither encouraged or discouraged. He just sat back quiet and receptive”
(Pg. 39).
Trustworthy—“You wouldn’t tell…no of course you wouldn’t” (Pg. 41).
Understanding—“George looked over and saw the calm, God like eyes fastened on him” (Pg.40).
Fair—“Slim sat in silence for a moment. ‘Didn’t hurt the girl none, huh?...He ain’t mean, I can
tell a mean guy a mile off” (Pg. 43).
Curious-in a friendly way—“What’d he do in Weed?” (Pg. 41).
Explain what is going on at this point in the novel (provide context)
 When George is telling Slim about Lennie, Slim welcomed the conversation between the
two.
 Before George tells the story about Lennie’s problem in Weed, he starts to question Slim,
whether Slim would tell anyone else, but George realizes Slim is trustworthy.
 As George continues to talk about his relationship with Lennie, Slim listens and doesn’t
react to what George is saying.
 George is thanking Slim for giving Lennie a puppy and the conversation moves to George
and Lennie’s unconventional relationship
2. Middle of Chapter 3
Describe/explain how Candy views Slim’s opinion (Page 45).
Slim is (make an inference about Slim’s character)
Well respected, reserved, and generous
This is seen in the quote (select an appropriate quote that demonstrates this character trait)
Well respected: “Slim’s opinion were law” (Pg 45).
Reserved—“Carl’s right, Candy. That dog ain’t no good to himself” (Pg 45).
Generous—“You can have a pup if you want to”(Pg 45).
Explain what is going on at this point in the novel (Provide context)
 Carlton is attempting to convince Candy to put down his old, smell, useless dog. Candy is
reluctant and looks to Slim for advice.
 Slim does not give his opinion on Candy’s dog until he is asked for it.
 Slim will give Candy a dog too to replace his old dog.
3.
End of Chapter 3
Describe/Explain how Slim treats/speaks to Curley after the fight (Page 64).
Slim is (make an inference about Slim’s character)
Protective, powerful, and just/moral
This is seen in the quote (select an appropriate quote that demonstrates this character trait)
Protective—“Well, then listen…I think you got your hand caught in a machine. If you don’t tell
nobody what happened, we ain’t going to “ (Pg 64).
Powerful—“Well, I didn’t mean nothing, Slim. I just ast you.” (Pg. 62)
Just/Moral—“You jus’ tell an’ try to get this guy canned and we’ll tell ever’body, an’ then will
you get the laugh.”
Explain what is going on at this point in the novel (Provide context)
 Curley gets into a fight with Lennie and in order to save George and Lennie’s jobs, Slim
convinces Curley to keep quiet about what really happened.
 Curley thought Slim might have been with Curley’s wife. Curley is apologizing to Slim because
even Curley respects Slim, and Curley realizes he should not have been accusing Slim.
 Slim realizes that Curley started the fight and Lennie only acted in self-defense; therefore, Slim is
making sure that Lennie is not held responsible.