Denny

I think Denny was just there to keep Lydia occupied and to show how interested she was in all the officers. He also served as a counterpoint to Wickham - he probably realized that Lydia was very young and silly - was pleasant enough to dance with her and amuse her at parties, but would never think of anything more romantic with her - and would certainly never elope with her. He probably never knew that Wickham was going to leave the regiment or that Lydia was going to accompany him - after all, Wickham ad debts of honor and Denny probably didn't think he'd run out on those, and I'm sure neither Wickham nor Lydia would have told him of their plans.

I've figured out Denny's real purpose. Was it not he who brought the dastardly Wickham to Meryton, thus setting in motion all manner of events? So you could say that without Denny, it would have been a very short book indeed! Also, Denny and Wickham were friends previously to the ____shire's entry into Meryton. Any speculation on how or where they met? Is Denny a debaucher too? Hmmmm!

Cheryl -- how are you? Sounds like you have been busy this week, what w/ collecting volunteer info and keeping up w/ the chat room. As to Denny's moral character, maybe it depends on whether he was a drill instructor. (No, wait, that's in 1996 -- and Lydia isn't an enlistee!) I don't think we're supposed to know much about any of the officers except Wickham. And Denny brought Wickham to the regiment after renewing a slight acquaintance w/ him in town. So, maybe they originally met while drinking and playing cards in the same pub. (Or do you think they shared the same women while Wickham was at Cambridge?)

He probably never knew that Wickham was going to leave the regiment or that Lydia was going to accompany him - Was it not Denny, though, who gave information to Col. Forester that Wickham never intended to marry Lydia? Is Denny a debaucher too? He certainly seems a lot more harmless than Wickham, but not much is actually told to us about his character. He is basically little more than a hunk of meat in a uniform for the amusement of Lydia and Kitty. It is interesting that Lydia, the egregious flirt, spends virtually all of her time in the company of Denny, while Kitty is seldom seen twice in the company of the same partner. Joan, too

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Denny married? Wasn't Lydia sent to Brighton to be the "particular" friend of the Captain's wife (Mrs. Denny)?

"particular" friend of the Captain's wife (Mrs. Denny)? ______________ of Colorel Forster's wife.

Thank you! I'm getting my Denny confused with my Forster!

amy2 -- I am certain it was merely an oversight on your part. Especially since Mr. Denny is young (and handsome) whereas Col. Forster is a good bit older, and not quite so easy on the eyes. (His wife is a silly little thing, though, isn't she?)

Kathleen: I think it's just a function of fatigue. Just rewatched Part I last night, and there certainly IS a big difference between the two men!

I do think it's strange that Lydia and Denny aren't drawn to each other. In P&P2, Denny is my second choice right behind CF for basic physical attractiveness, certainly ahead of Wickham. He's also the sincere nice guy who brings Wickham's regrets to Lizzy at the Netherfield ball. I think he has too much sense for Lydia. When the three soldiers leave Longborne and Lydia comes chasing after them, Denny seems to be almost patronizing Lydia.