They are just there to provide context I think. The same as the second part of the story of Wenjie Ye in later chapters. But in book 2 and 3 much less effort i

They are just there to provide context I think. The same as the second part of the story of Wenjie Ye in later chapters. But in book 2 and 3 much less effort is put into character because I think the grand narrative already took off and it doesn't make sense to go back for individuals anymore. There are exceptions of course.