Who is Colonel Sartoris Snopes from Collected Stories of William Faulkner and what is their importance?

This boy, often called Sarty, is the main character from the story "Barn Burning." This young boy is caught between his fidelity for his father and his knowledge of the truth. Sarty has traveled with his family from home to home after they have been forced to leave because of his father's anger and need for vengeance. After he witnesses his father's actions at de Spain's home, Sarty realizes what is happening. He turns against his father and informs de Spain his barn will be burned. Sarty hears shots and believes his father has been shot. Sarty leaves his family that night and does not look back.