Who is Tony Last from A Handful of Dust and what is their importance?

Tony Last is the head of the household at Hetton Estate. He has acquired his estate from his family, turned over to him upon his father's death. He is married to Brenda Last for eight years and has one son, John Andrew. He loves the estate at Hetton, which includes a village and greenhouses and a church. According to contemporary times, Hetton is completely outdated, but it is the classic finery that Tony appreciates the most. Tony is very content with his life but has everything turned upside down when Brenda gets bored with their relationship and starts and affair.