Who is Tony Howard from The Broken Bridge?

Tony Howard is Ginny's father. Having grown up in an abusive home, he is very protective of his daughter and does all he can to shelter her.... even if he has to lie. Over the course of the novel, we see Ginny's view of her father change in a positive way. As a child... he's simply dad. As she grows up, he becomes the person with whom she most identifies in thoughts and ideals.