Who is Braithwaite from Sharpe's Trafalgar: Richard Sharpe and the Battle of Trafalgar, October 21, 1805 and what is their importance?

Braithwaite is Lord William Hale's secretary. He is described as a self-serving man, who is condescending and ambitious. When Braithewaite learns about Lady Grace's affair with Richard Sharpe, he tries to blackmail her. Sharpe, however, catches him alone in the hold and breaks his neck, making it look like he fell from a ladder.