Who is Walter from The Sportswriter and what is their importance?

Walter is a member of the Divorced Men's Club. Frank hits it off with Walter right away, and the two men become friends. Walter's topics of conversation, however, make Frank uncomfortable, so he half-heartedly tries to avoid them. Over drinks one evening, Walter confesses to Frank that he's had a one night stand with another man. Frank does not react as Walter is afraid he will, and although he isn't disgusted, he finds the situation one that does not directly affect him and therefore he has no opinion. Walter takes this reaction as supportive.

When Frank returns from Detroit, he finds Walter at his house, where Walter again broaches the subject of his night with another man. Walter then tries to kiss Frank. Frank pushes him away and tells him he does not want to be kissed. Walter quickly leaves. The next day, Frank goes to have dinner with Vicki and her family. Late in the afternoon, Frank receives a phone call and learns that Walter has died. In a suicide note, Walter says that he could find no hope in his own life, no definition.