Who is Alfred from Legends of the Fall and what is their importance?

Alfred is the eldest son. He is described as prayerful and stodgy. Alfred never learns to ride a horse well, and he falls while in the war. Alfred later becomes a politician, which strains his relationship with both his father and Tristan. When Tristan writes Susannah to marry another, Alfred steps in, not caring that Susannah doesn't love him.