Who is Richard Frost from Cannery Row and what is their importance?

Richard Frost is a high-strung, brilliant young man, Frost alone dares ask the flagpole skater how he goes to the toilet. Frost's wife is sure he is visiting the Bear Flag Restaurant when, drunk, he sneaks out at night to settle the burning question. Frost and Doc later discuss the virtues of Mack and the boys during the Fourth of July parade and wager on whether they will bother to look up.