Carlson is a ranch-hand and a side character in John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men. He is described as a powerful, big-stomached, and thick-bodied man who has a strong, authoritative presence on the ranch. Carlson is fearless, straightforward, and unsentimental, often showing little empathy for others' feelings
. His most significant role in the story is his involvement with Candy's old dog. Carlson complains about the dog's smell and condition, insisting that the dog is old, in pain, and no longer useful. He offers to put the dog down himself to spare Candy the emotional burden. Although his intentions seem practical, Carlson's bluntness and lack of sensitivity hurt Candy, who deeply loves the dog. This event foreshadows the later fate of Lennie, who is also "put down" to spare him suffering, with Carlson's gun being used for both shootings
. Carlson's character embodies the harsh realities of ranch life, where weakness and old age are often met with removal. His pragmatic and emotionally detached nature reflects the survival mentality required in such a tough environment. While not openly cruel like Curley, Carlson uses his relative power to push others, such as Candy, into difficult decisions
. In summary, Carlson is a pragmatic, unsentimental ranch worker whose actions and personality highlight themes of mercy, survival, and the harshness of life in Of Mice and Men
