Who is Royal Earle Thompson from Pale Horse, Pale Rider: Three Short Novels and what is their importance?

Royal Earle Thompson appears in the story, Noon Wine. He is a farmer in south Texas during the early 20th century, but he isn't very successful. Thompson marries a delicate Sunday School teacher, but he is disappointed when their difficult life prematurely wears her down. The couple has two sons, Arthur and Herbert, but Mr. Thompson doesn't spend much time with them.

Thompson's most important preoccupation is looking dignified. Thus, he will only perform certain kinds of work, and he leaves the most important work undone. As a result, his farm falls apart from neglect.