Who is Brophy from Wizard's First Rule and what is their importance?

Brophy is a huge, wily and somewhat unscrupulous trader in magical artifacts and antiquities. However, he has a good side and donates all his profits to orphanages. When a young boy from one of the orphanages is sexually assaulted and murdered by Demmin Nass, he tries to blame the crime on Brophy. The trader is convicted to be executed but demands a Confessor, as is his right. Kahlan touches Brophy with her power, which renders him helpless against her. Answering all her questions honestly, she learns that he may have broken some trade regulations, but he is innocent of murder. In fact, Brophy would never do anything to harm a child. Kahlan has Brophy released from prison, angering Demmin Nass and Darken Rahl.

However, Brophy's life as a man is destroyed. He can do nothing but follow Kahlan around begging her to give him orders. As is the custom, a wizard changes Brophy into an animal of his choice, so that he can resume a somewhat normal, happy life. Brophy chooses to become a wolf. He lives happily in the mountains, taking a mate and raising a litter of cubs. Eventually, however, Kahlan passes nearby on her quest with Richard. Brophy is still somewhat charmed by her, and he secretly follows the pair, protecting them from gars and other menaces. Sadly, Brophy dies trying to defend Kahlan.