You've given a very negative view of the General, and I can't really argue with you. Nonetheless, I'm still loyal to him as a character. He is a strict and demanding father, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Mrs. Thorpe has been twice criticized for being too indulgent (one narrative, one by Mr. Allen) and look at the results of it. General Tilney has turned out Henry and Eleanor, so he must be doing something right.