How does the Viola family contribute to the novel, Nostromo?

Viola spent his younger fighting with Garibaldi for the unification of Italy. He places Garibaldi on a pedestal and supports the ideals of democracy and equality. After Garibaldi's defeat in Italy, Viola is exiled and moves on to settle in Sulaco, where he opens a hotel, which caters to the workmen in the area. Viola is devatated by his wife's death and raises his daughters alone at the lighthouse. Nostromo often visits him there, and Viola is convinced that Nostromo will marry his daughter, Linda. Nostromo, however, begins a relationship with Giselle. Worried that Giselle has too many admirers, Viola mistakenly shoots Nostromo believing he is one Giselle's admirers sneaking around the house.