The old man could be a symbol of stability or tradition. His presence might contrast with the younger characters' energy and modern ideas, adding depth to the narrative.
The old man could be a mentor, guiding the main characters with his wisdom and experience.
He could be a mentor. For instance, in some stories, the old man has a wealth of knowledge and experience and guides the younger characters.
The old man could play the role of a guide. He might show the main character the ropes in the world of Jade Cocoon, like how to handle the cocoons and the creatures inside them.
The old woman might be a guiding figure, offering wisdom and support to the main characters.
The Nothing Man is a destructive force. It tries to devour Fantastica in the story.
In her best story, the man could play the role of a catalyst. His actions or presence could trigger a series of events that change the course of the story. He might be the one who uncovers a mystery or starts a revolution in the fictional world of the story. His character could be complex, with both positive and negative traits that add depth to the narrative.
Given the lack of information about the story, the man might play a positive role like a helper or a negative role like a thief. He could also be a comical character for some laughs in the story.
He could be a villain. He might be causing trouble for the police, like setting up false leads or interfering with investigations in the shadows where he can't be easily detected.
In the Shrek story, the Gingerbread Man serves as a sort of sidekick - ish character. He adds to the chaos and fun. He has a distinct personality that contrasts with Shrek and Donkey. His naivete and his constant state of being in some sort of trouble, like when he gets his legs bitten off, are all part of what makes him an important part of the story's humor.
Maybe she's the antagonist, creating challenges and conflicts that shape the man's story. Or she could be the resolution, helping him find closure and a happy ending.
There's also a possibility that he is a secondary character, like a best friend or a relative of the main characters. He might offer advice or support to the couple in the romance novel, or his own story could be a sub - plot within the overall romance narrative.