Many times in literature, an author creates a character with the intention for the character to be misunderstood by the reader. These characters add suspense and a feeling of mystery to the story. In Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations, Estella is perhaps the most misunderstood character of them all.

Although she has been raised to wreak Miss Havisham's revenge on all men, Estella has a small thawed spot of kindness for Pip in her heart of ice. When Pip returns to the marshes and makes a visit to Satis House, Estella warns him that she has no emotional heart; she has a physical heart, but she "[has] no softness there, no - sympathy - sentiment - nonsense" (238). Estella knows that Pip loves her and she doesn't want him to be brokenhearted because she doesn't love him. Although she doesn't love him in return, she is honest with him...