Esme Winikus

**Esme Winikus** was a theatrical, upper-class dancer and the love interest of Alfred Pennyworth.

## History

Her mother died when she was young. Her mother was a dancer too. It was just her father growing up, believing that young people should have adventures.
She won't be dependent on her father's money.

## Throughout *Pennyworth* series

### Relationship with Pennyworth

In *Pilot*, Esme is working as a dancer at a downtown club in London, when she meets Alfred Pennyworth. Forwardly, Alfred asks Esme on a date the following day, to which she accepts and the two take a walk in the park the following day. Complications arise, on her first visit to the Pennyworth house. Meeting Mrs. Pennyworth and Mr. Pennyworth and feel after leaving that they should break up and are too direct. However, when she is kidnapped by Bet Sykes, on behalf of the Raven Society — who have hopes of trading her with Thomas Wayne. Pennyworth is able to save Esme, and the two grow closer, engaging in a sexual relationship.

Pennyworth asks Esme to marry him in *The Landlord's Daughter* after a short time together, with Esme agreeing. The marriage, however, is complicated in *Martha Kane,* after Esme's father Evelyn Winikus refuses to bless the marriage, threatening to disinherit Esme if the marriage was to occur; this leads to Pennyworth calling off the marriage and Esme handing back the ring. After consideration, however, Pennyworth rents an apartment for the two, winning Esme back and the two again plan to marry.

Esme's relationship with Pennyworth puts her in further danger in *Lady Penelope*, while on a Security job, he thinks she should stay with his parents. Having left Alfred's house to paint. She is strangled to death in her own apartment, Alfred himself finds her lying in a pool of her own blood.

It is further revealed that Esme was murdered by Captain John Curzon, Alfred's old army commander, as a result of a personal vendetta from their army days in which Alfred embarrassed Curzon in front of his comrades. Alfred visits Esme's grave in *Sandie Shaw* shortly after killing John for Esme's murder. Alfred recites the story of their first date but admits that things are looking up for him. He is arrested shortly after by Inspector Aziz for the killing of Curzon.

Years later, in *Well To Do* Alfred sat down to Breakfast with his mom. Mary asks when is he going to settle down? He needs children.

And in *Many Clouds*, When Mary Pennyworth is on her date with Frederick, he asks if she been alone. Mary answers she has her son Alfie at home. Starting to tell that Alfie was to get married once but... Mary pauses and picks not to tell how Esme died.

In *Rhyme 'N' Reason* Pennyworth Security work as security for Zahra Khin, they soon grow close and intimate. Alfred pulls away in *Hedgehunter*, she thinks he feels guilty. At last Miss Khin ask *her* name. Alfie states, Esme and him were to be married. The bloke who had it in for him, killed her. The worst luck Esme had was meeting Alfred Pennyworth.

## Personality

Esme Winikus is described as a beautiful, theatrical and clever dancer with an upper-class flair. She is determined to succeed and has a skittish spirit.

## Appearances

Season 1
* *Pilot*
* *The Landlord's Daughter*
* *Martha Kane*
* *Lady Penelope*
* *Julie Christie* (Mentioned)

Season 3
* *Many Clouds* (Indirectly Mentioned)
* *Hedgehunter* (Mentioned)

## References

1. ↑ *Julie Christie*
2. ↑ Character Profile on Epix website.