Who is General Tilney from Northanger Abbey and what is their importance?

General Tilney is a wealthy widower and father of three children: Captain Frederick Tilney, Henry Tilney, and Eleanor Tilney. General Tilney rules his family with strict discipline and makes most of his children's decisions, including forming their public opinions about various events. In this controlling and overbearing regard he is generally unlikable, though he does have some endearing qualities. He is vainly proud about his vast wealth and endeavors to showcase it in a favorable light.