Who is Porter Dotson from Belle Prater's Boy and what is their importance?

Porter Dotson is the husband of Love Bell, and the stepfather of Gypsy. Porter is a kind, caring man who loves his wife and step daughter, even though she resents him. Porter knows Gypsy dislikes him simply because she is angry with her own father for his suicide. Porter is never mean, and accepts the abuse Gypsy gives to him without comment, knowing that Gypsy is wounded over her father's suicide. In fact, Porter often tries to gain Gypsy's trust and love, but often to no avail. When Gypsy breaks down and cuts off all her hair following her confrontation of her father's suicide, it is Porter who sees her first. It is Porter who reassures Gypsy that her actions are acceptable, and it is Porter who calms Love down before she is allowed to see Gypsy. It is also Porter who takes Gypsy to the local barber to fix her hair. This, combined with her acceptance of her father's death, allows Gypsy to finally accept Porter as her stepfather, and allows her to show him the love and respect he deserves.