Who is Duane from Dalva and what is their importance?

Duane Stonehorse is Dalva's lover. He is half-Sioux, and he has the looks of a Native American with the green eyes of a Caucasian. Duane is Rachel's son. His father is Wesley, who is also Dalva's father.

At fifteen, Duane arrives at the Northridge estate, looking for work. His grandfather gives him a job as a farmhand, Duane ignores Dalva for months before admitting he loves her, and makes love to her. When he asks for her hand in marriage, however, he learns the truth...... that she is his half-sister, and he runs away.

Duane keeps tabs on Dalva throughout her life. He however, lives a hard life of filled with alcohol abuse, war, drugs, and pain before his body gives up. Still in love with Dalva, he calls her as he is dying and her he marries so she can have his benefits. Duane takes his own life following the wedding in a last act of misunderstood heroism.