Who is Captain Edward Ashburnham from The Good Soldier and what is their importance?

Captain Edward "Teddy" Ashburnham is the gentleman owner of Branshaw House, a county estate in Fordingbridge, England. He is a member of the Anglican Church. His marriage to Leonora Pepys was arranged by their parents, and he is fond of his wife although he is not faithful to her. He has no children. Captain Edward Ashburnham is performing his military service in India. He has squandered a large sum of money by gambling and keeping a mistress.