Who is Fergus Wolff from Possession: A Romance and what is their importance?

Fergus Wolff is Roland Michell's contemporary and competitor, though he is a little older than Roland. Fergus is sometimes brilliant and loved by his teachers, but he is not always accurate. Roland actually likes Fergus personally, even though they compete for the same jobs and grants. Fergus has blond hair cut long on the top and short in the back. He is attractive and tall with bright white teeth and bright blue eyes. Fergus had a relationship with Maud that ended badly, and he is now jealous of Roland for spending time with her.