Who is Dr. Austin Sloper from Washington Square and what is their importance?

Dr. Sloper is an overprotective father, who unable to believe that his plain daughter could draw anyone's interest, refuses to allow her to marry because her beau must only want her fortune. His daughter never marries, and Sloper even goes to his death, speaking against her former love. When she will not promise to remain unmarried after her father's death..... he cuts her inheritance. Once again, proving he doesn't know everything..... when given the opportunity to marry her first love..... she refuses.