Peter Albom is brother to Mitch, the author. He moved to Spain when and years later is diagnosed with cancer. He refuses to keep in touch with Albom and the rest of his family, insisting he needs to battle by himself. This deeply angered and pained Mitch because his brother refused his help. At the end of the book, after Morrie dies, Mitch finally gets through to Peter and stay in touch through letters and faxes. Peter advances the plot through Mitch having trouble within his family, and shows that Morrie has finally gotten through to Mitch when he sends the message to Peter that finally convinces the brothers to keep in touch with each other.