A Character in The Measure of Life who became unexpectedly important

One of my characters in The Measure of Life grew in importance as I shaped and edited the novel. I originally pictured him simply as an elderly man in an antique and junk shop where my protagonist bought some memorabilia when she returns from buying bread at a bakery a neighbor recommended as the best in Rome.  My developmental editor said he was extraneous to the story, but a few friends who had seen an earlier draft said they loved him.… Read more