Who is Beethoven from Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead and what is their importance?

Beethoven, known as Schroeder in the "Peanuts" comic strip, is an outcast at school since he was sexually abused by his father. He is constantly bullied and picked on for being homosexual. Beethoven is first introduced when Matt comments on him being homosexual in the hallway, and CB's sister follows to console him, though Beethoven does his best to ignore her. When CB goes to the music room during lunch, he listens to Beethoven play the piano and laments his dog's death until Beethoven throws a fit because CB is interrupting the only peaceful time in his day. Beethoven tells CB about how he is bullied every day, blaming CB for not stopping it, but eventually, the two reconcile and agree to reestablish their friendship. Sitting next to Beethoven as he plays, CB kisses him.

Everyone is drunk at Marcy's party, but when Beethoven arrives, Matt torments and teases him for being homosexual, insisting he should leave. CB stands up for Beethoven and kisses him in front of everyone before they flee. Beethoven is distraught that Matt kissed him in front of everyone, but when CB suggests that Beethoven should kiss him, Beethoven does. Furious that Beethoven is messing with his best friend's head, Matt vows to make Beethoven pay. CB is ready to accept that he loves Beethoven, but Beethoven needs time to get used to the idea of CB being his boyfriend, though he cannot stop grinning after CB leaves him alone. Matt visits Beethoven in the music room to harass and threaten him; however, when Beethoven refuses to stay away from CB, Matt slams his fingers in the piano lid. Because Beethoven's hands are broken and he can no longer play the piano, he commits suicide by overdosing on some pills. CB's pen pal writes about a new boy who moved into his neighborhood, presumably the afterlife, who plays the piano like Beethoven and takes care of a dog that sings along.