Who is Tall Bob Smoke from Tortilla Flat and what is their importance?

Tall Bob Smoke is the local dogcatcher and flag-carrier in parades. Bob wants nothing for than to gain admiration, but he is laughed at mercilessly. Determined to end the laughter at his expense, Bob spends two days sitting outside with a loaded gun, hoping a visitor will see him aiming at his head and prevent his suicide. When Charlie Meeler comes by and grabs the gun, it goes off, shooting of the tip of Bob's nose. This event creates a lot of sympathy for Bob, and the townspeople begin to be nice to him.