The Big Valley - Characters. 1  Victoria Barkley, portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck, was the widow of Thomas Barkley. 2  Jarrod Thomas Barkley, the eldest son, was a respected attorney at law. 3  Nicholas Nick Jonathan Barkley, the hot-tempered younger son, was portrayed by Peter Breck. 4  Audra Barkley, played by Linda Evans, was Victoria's only daughter.