Since we don't know the novel, it's difficult to say. He could be a villain, a helper, or just a bystander.
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.
He could be a key figure in the plot. For instance, if the story is about love and relationships, the 'geisha man' might be the object of someone's affection or a source of conflict. Maybe he has a secret that 'nugent' or other characters are trying to uncover. In a more adventurous plot, he could be guiding 'nugent' through the geisha - related world, showing him all the hidden corners and traditions. Also, he could be a symbol of a certain era or way of life that the author wants to explore through the novel.
I need more context to answer your question. Please tell me where this young man appears in the novel, what his role is, what his role is, and what the background and theme of the story are so that I can better answer your questions.
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 be a mentor, guiding the main characters with his wisdom and experience.
The dark wolf could play a role of a tester. It tests the courage and determination of the characters in the story. It could be a part of the challenges they must overcome to progress in their journey through the never - ending story. For example, it might guard a key location or knowledge that the characters need to obtain.
Sif plays the role of a keeper of secrets in Dark Souls story. It is associated with Artorias, and by guarding a certain place, it holds a key to understanding the events related to the Abyss and the knight's journey. Sif's presence also serves as a test for players, as they must face this powerful wolf to progress further into the story and uncover more of the game's mysteries.
The dark stranger star might be a guide. Maybe the other characters in the story are lost or in need of direction, and this mysterious figure shows up to lead them, either literally or metaphorically. In some stories, such a character could also be a tester of the other characters' values and morals. They could present situations that force the main characters to make difficult choices and in doing so, grow or change. For example, if it's a story about a group of adventurers, the dark stranger star could lead them into dangerous but rewarding situations.
I'm not sure which specific novel you are referring to. There could be many novels with a character described as a'small dark man'. You need to be more specific about the novel.
The Nothing Man is a destructive force. It tries to devour Fantastica in the story.