Who is John Thornton from North and South and what is their importance?

John Thornto's father's death forced John to quit school early and work in a factory. With a strong mother figure in Mrs. Thornton, he worked his way up, earning enough money to become a master and run the mill house. John's humanity is not always apparent. When the reader first meets him he comes across as aloof, with an interest only in improving his business, intelligence and social standing. Other people come second and particularly the men working for him.