Who is The Captain from Cannery Row and what is their importance?

The Captain is a large, stoop-shouldered owner of posted land on which Mack and the boys camp while waiting for evening to hunt frogs, the captain is won over by smooth-tongued Mack and proves an amiable sort. He is dissatisfied with his marriage to a newly elected Assemblywoman and is fond of whiskey. To thank Mack for treating his dog's infected tick bite, the captain breaks out a cask of Prohibition-vintage whiskey, which they enjoy by the pitcher before systematically emptying the pond of frogs. As a parting gift, the captain gives Mack his choice of puppies and a jug of whiskey.