Who is Willie Erhardt (Papa) from The Cape Ann and what is their importance?

Willie Erhardt (Papa) is a father who seems to be a product of his upbringing. Papa is unhappy in his life and marriage and continues to become less happy the more independence his wife attains. He is at once strict and controlling when it comes to Lark; he attempts to control Mama and when he cannot, he becomes enraged. Papa is not a strong character, although he thinks he is physically strong when he beats and abuses the women in his life.