To what purpose did Shakespeare create Enobarbus?

... To what purpose did Shakespeare create Enobarbus? Enobarbus is a high-ranking soldier in Antony's army who it seems is very close to his commander. We know this by the way Enobarbus is permitted to speak freely (at least in private) with Antony. He is also a person who Antony confides in. For instance in Act I, Scene ii, as Antony explains who Cleopatra is "cunning past man's thought". In reply to this Enobarbus speaks freely of his view of Cleopatra, even if what he says is very positive. '...her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater storms and tempests than almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove.' Another example of his ability to speak freely is when

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