A character in
Great Expectations who has been raised to deny the advances and attention of her male suitors. Estella’s high standards encourage
Pip—who is smitten by her—to work hard in his attempt to become a gentleman. Nonetheless, she is incredibly cold to him, often pointing out his flaws. When
Dolores agitatedly shoos
Matilda away at one point in
Mister Pip, she utters a line that reminds her daughter of something Estella tells Pip when she wants him to go away. In turn, this helps Matilda piece together
Great Expectations by memory, and she is excited to have recovered Estella’s remark.