Three traits of Carlson with supporting quotes
1) Practical / unsentimental
Quote: 'He ain't no good to you, Candy. An' he ain't no good to himself. Why'n't you shoot him, Candy?' (Ch. 3)
Why it supports the trait: Carlson focuses on usefulness and the dog’s suffering rather than sentimental attachment. He frames the decision in practical terms — the dog is no longer useful and is suffering, so it should be put down.
2) Callous / insensitive
Quote: 'I'll shoot him for you.' (Ch. 3 — Carlson volunteering to kill Candy's old dog)
Why it supports the trait: Carlson’s willingness to take the dog outside and kill it himself, and his matter-of-fact language, show a lack of emotional sensitivity to Candy’s attachment. He treats the act as a simple, unemotional fix.
3) Blunt / matter-of-fact about violence
Quote: 'Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?' (Ch. 6 — Carlson's reaction after George and Lennie are found apart)
Why it supports the trait: Carlson’s crude, straightforward questioning of others' behavior (and his previous readiness to use a gun to end suffering) shows he responds to problems with bluntness and an acceptance of violent solutions rather than reflection or compassion.
Note: Carlson is a relatively minor character, so his personality is revealed mainly through short, direct lines and actions (especially his role in the shooting of Candy’s dog). Those moments are the best evidence for these traits.