In the anime Cowboy Bebop, Carlos is one of a trio of elderly men who appear frequently as background characters. He is almost always seen in the company of his two companions, Antonio and Jobim, with the three forming a recognizable and recurring visual gag throughout the series. The trio's name is a direct reference to the renowned Brazilian jazz musician and composer Antônio Carlos Jobim, reflecting the series' deep appreciation for jazz and bossa nova music.

Physically, Carlos is depicted as an older gentleman with gray hair and a mustache, dark eyes, and a characteristically round nose. His typical attire consists of a blue polo shirt with a relaxed collar, black trousers held up by a black belt, and black footwear. His most distinguishing accessory is a yellow straw hat adorned with a red band. This casual, almost timeless look helps him blend into the diverse backgrounds of the colonized solar system. Unlike the main characters who are often embroiled in action and drama, Carlos and his friends project an air of mundane, everyday life.

In terms of personality, Carlos can come across as somewhat grumpy, particularly in contrast to his more jovial companions. He is often seen reminiscing about past adventures or grumbling about the present, which is a common trait for his age. The trio’s primary role in the story is one of comic relief and thematic resonance. They appear in various locations across the solar system, from spaceports and bars to city streets, often engaging in idle chat or playing cards. Their conversations, while seemingly trivial, frequently serve as a subtle, humorous commentary on the events unfolding in the main plot of an episode. They act almost like a Greek chorus, providing an ordinary person's perspective on the extraordinary lives of bounty hunters.

Carlos and his friends lack a central narrative arc or significant character development, as their function is to be a constant, unchanging presence in a chaotic world. They have no direct influence on the primary conflicts involving Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, or Edward, nor do they have personal motivations beyond their daily routines. Their key relationships are strictly with each other, with no meaningful connections to the main cast. Beyond the television series, the trio also makes a cameo appearance in the theatrical film Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door. Their most notable abilities are their knack for being in the right place at the right time to observe the action and their skill at various card games, which they are frequently shown playing. Ultimately, Carlos serves as a beloved background element, adding flavor and a sense of continuity to the world of Cowboy Bebop.