Who is Daniel Deronda from Daniel Deronda and what is their importance?

Sir Hugo's ward, Daniel Deronda, is described as a kind, handsome man who draws interest from almost everyone who sees him. He meets Gwendolyn by chance, and it's also by chance that he is with her shortly after Grandcourt is drowned. Daniel's mother is a Jewish stage performer, and his father died when he was very young. His mother convinced Sir Hugo to raise Daniel, which he does, but Sir Hugo doesn't reveal Daniel's parentage until he is an adult, and his mother requests to see him. Daniel falls in love with Mirah.