Who is Eduard from Veronika Decides to Die and what is their importance?

Eduard is the one of the three secondary characters whose life and identity is transformed by encountering Veronika. His depression springs from being kept from pursuing what he believes to be his true vocation..... an artist. Eduard is sent to Villete by his parents, where he takes on the signs of schizophrenia. Thus, like the other two secondary characters, he pretends to be insane in order to perceive himself as safe. After connecting with Veronika, Eduard feels intense romantic desire, as well as a surge of courage.