Who is Publius Clodius from Caesar's Women and what is their importance?

Publius Clodius is an aristocrat. As a member of the Claudii clan, he is described as wild, wealthy, and ambitious. Publius forms a revenge list that consists of everyone who has ever humiliated or worked against him. He enjoys his life on the fringes of society, as it enables him to form friendships with soldiers and lowly Roman citizens. He makes use of his intellect to stir mutiny amongst his brother-in-law Lucius Licinius Lucullus's armies, which costs Lucius his command over the Eastern Provinces.

After returning to Rome, Publius marries the wealthy heiress, Fulvia. His immaturity and irrational behavior, however, hinder him in achieving his goal. He violates the sanctity of the Bona Dea celebration, which results not only in a trial, but which also causes the death of his unborn child. At his trial, Cicero testifies against him, which places Cicero on the revenge list.

After bribing his way to an acquittal, Publius legally renounces his status in order to become a plebeian, an act he realizes with provide him with more power because of his clout with the lower classes than he could otherwise achieve. When he runs for tribune of the Plebeian Assembly, he wins and is subsequently elected as President of the College of Tribunes of the Plebs. With the help and guidance of Caesar, he passes controversial legislation which benefits Caesar. Plubius also makes it illegal to execute Roman citizens without a trial. Clodius respects Caesar and aligns himself with him in order to increase his own power.