Who is Gerald 'Young' Tetley from The Ox-Bow Incident and what is their importance?

Gerald Tetley, the Young Tetley, is the son of a rancher and ex-Confederate officer. He does not enjoy ranching, and he would rather spend his days reading books. This deeply shames his father, causing a great deal of animosity between the two. Many od the townspeople believe Tetley would have killed his son long ago if not for the fact that Young Tetley looks just like his mother.