Who is Aunt Emily Bolling from The Moviegoer and what is their importance?

John's aunt on his father's side, Aunt Emily is John's mother figure in Gentilly. John has a mother, but Aunt Emily plays a very active role in John's life, directing his actions and trying to advise him on his career. She frequently asks John to talk with Kate because she feels that Kate listens to John, yet is furious when she finds out that they have started a relationship.