Who is Kate Cold from City of the Beasts and what is their importance?

Kate Cold is Alex's grandmother. As a writer for International Geographic, she has traveled to many parts of the world and is perfectly comfortable in the Amazon jungle. She demands that Alex become self-sufficient, which eventually increases his confidence. What's seen by Alex as indifference is really Kate's way of trying to help Alex. She is demanding but obviously loves Alex and is very relieved when Alex is found safe after being taken hostage by the People of the Mist.