Character Analysis
This nameless dude is a guy Gandhi befriends in his youth, hoping to reform him. But, Gandhi's pal is a bad influence on the author, convincing him to eat meat (1.7.1), visit a brothel (1.7.9), and feel even more jealous about his own wife (1.7.11).
Pro tip: if you have a "friend" like this, run away. Fast.
Even as he writes his autobiography, Gandhi feels remorseful about his devotion to this guy. Their relationship goes to show that everyone, even someone as idealistic as Gandhi, is susceptible to bad influences. Peer pressure, y'all: it's the pits.