Who is Soseki from Kokoro and what is their importance?

Soseki is a young man who is trying to discover who he is, what he wants to do, and what his future holds. He is bored at home, and depends upon Sensei as his mentor. Over time, Soseki becomes torn between his relationship with his father and his relationship with Sensei. Shockingly, as Soseki finds his path, he learns that his father is dying and that his mentor is planning to take his own life. He wishes for nothing more than that both survive long enough for him to see them one last time.