How does Steinbeck present Slim (Of Mice And Men)?

He presents him as an alternative to the other ranch workers, unlike them he is kind and gentle and is the first person to show an interest in George and Lennie without pressurising them or forcing them to tell him anything they don't want to. He is described as "majestic" and a "prince" whilst being relatively down to earth and is like a leader to the other ranch workers, they turn to him when they're in trouble but he's also the only person Curley is too scared to pick a fight with. He also makes good friends with George and doesn't critisise him for what he does to Lennie.