What role does the Dormouse play in Alice in Wonderland?

The Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland is a character that plays a small but memorable role in the story. It is a sleepy and lethargic creature that appears during the Mad Hatter's tea party scene, where it falls asleep several times while sitting at the table. Despite its drowsiness, the Dormouse is key to the storyline as it tells a rather nonsensical story that provides a clue to the location of the Queen's croquet game. Additionally, the Dormouse plays a significant part in the trial scene near the end of the story, where it testifies about the events that took place at the tea party. In summary, while it may not be the most prominent character, the Dormouse's contributions are essential to the development of the story.