Esther Denham is a character in Sanditon, by Jane Austen.
Biography[]
She is the sister of Sir Edward Denham, the current baronet and owner of Denham Park in Sanditon. Sir Harry Denham was her uncle, and his wealthy widow Lady Denham is her aunt.
Because their uncle could not secure Lady Denham's fortune, Edward and Esther live in genteel poverty. According to Thomas Parker, Esther has no money and must marry a man of fortune.[1] They hope to become Lady Denham's heirs and therefore pay homage to her at Sanditon House, but when Lady Denham takes in her cousin, Clara Brereton, their plans are threatened.[2]
Adaptations[]
- She is portrayed by Charlotte Spencer in Sanditon (2019). In the series, Esther is romantically involved with her stepbrother Sir Edward Denham, but ultimately marries the original character Lord Babington and inherits her aunt's fortune.