Who is Claude Schwartz, Jr from The Risk Pool and what is their importance?

Claude Schwartz, Jr is Ned's dubious friend. His family moves into Aunt Rose's house after she moves to Aspen, Colorado. Claude's father is Claude Sr., and his mother's name is Claudine, so Ned calls the entire family the Claudes. They are non-practicing Jews. Claude is a big, pear-shaped, soft kid two years older than Ned, who insists that everything is a contest, and he will do anything to win. After a suicide attempt, Claude becomes a different person. He is no longer competitive and seems to be defenseless.