Here's what he does:
* Warns Bess of the highwayman's arrival: The ostler sees the highwayman approaching and rushes to warn Bess, the innkeeper's daughter. He is aware of the danger the highwayman poses and wants to protect Bess.
* Becomes a victim of the Redcoats: When the Redcoats arrive, the ostler tries to fight back but is shot and killed. This event is a turning point in the poem, leading to Bess's suicide.
His role in the story is important because:
* He represents the innocence that is lost: The ostler is a young man who is simply trying to do the right thing. His death symbolizes the loss of innocence and the brutality of the world.
* He foreshadows the tragedy: His death, along with the arrival of the Redcoats, sets the stage for the tragic ending of the poem.
* He highlights the contrast between good and evil: The ostler represents the good in the world, while the Redcoats and the highwayman represent the evil forces.
While the ostler's role is brief, he is a significant character who plays a pivotal part in the tragic events of the poem.