Since the narration is meant to be objective, the qualities attributed to Slim must be considered factual. His importance and judgment are beyond reproach. Even Curley, the boss's son, defers to Slim, most notably after the bunkhouse fight with Lennie when he agrees to say he got his hand caught in a machine.
In chapter three, Slim is the patient listener as George tells of his background with Lennie. Slim is surprised that the two men travel together. He is also complimentary of George for the way he treats Lennie. Slim is the perfect confidant for George as he reveals the details of the incident with the girl in the red dress in Weed. He is nonjudgemental and understanding of what George has gone through in his relationship with Lennie.
Slim ultimately makes two important decisions during the course of the book. In chapter three he agrees with Carlson that Candy's dog should be put down. The reader may be suspicious of Carlson's motives, but when Slim offers his opinion, Steinbeck says his decision "was law." Later, he offers his opinion to George about Lennie's fate. Slim tells George that it would not be good for Lennie to fall into the hands of Curley or the law. In chapter five, he says,
"But Curley’s gonna want to shoot ‘im. Curley’s still mad about his hand. An’ s’pose they lock him up an’ strap him down and put him in a cage. That ain’t no good, George.”
Slim's words most certainly help George decide to do what he had already been contemplating, the shooting of Lennie. Rather than have him suffer, George heeds Slim's words and kills Lennie.
Finally, Slim is again understanding and nonjudgemental in the book's final lines. He totally understands George's actions and even offers to get him a drink. Despite the tragic ending, Steinbeck gives a nod to a positive future as he has George and Slim leave the clearing by the river together, possibly suggesting that the two may become good friends.
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