Who is Rand Al'Thor from The Eye of the World and what is their importance?

Rand is the main character, the one the plot follows most of the time. His father, Tam Al'thor, is a farmer in Two Rivers. When Rand's home and the village of Emond's Field are attacked, Rand learns that he, Mat and Perrin are being hunted by the forces of the Dark One. He also learns Tam may not be his true father, that he may not even be from Two Rivers. Fearing for the safety of the village, Rand and the other boys agree to leave with Moiraine, an Aes Sedai, to find out why the Dark One wants him. They are joined by others including Egwene, a girl from Emond's Field. Rand's feelings for Egwene prompt him to unconsciously use the One Power for the first time, and he remains unaware that he used it.