Why does the verse tell her lineage?
Vilna Gaon citing a Midrash: When Hashem does a miracle via a Tzadik, it mentions him with his lineage. When He punishes a Rasha, it does not mention his lineage.
Malbim: In addition to beauty and health, she had good natures, Midos and full intellect from her father Avichayil.
Why didn't Esther request anything?
Vilna Gaon: This shows how much she was forced; she was constantly pained over this.
Malbim: She showed that she was forced, and did not consent. She took only what Hegai forced her to take. She was Chayav Misah [for not going willingly]! Even so, she had grace; this covered for all her transgressions.
Why did Esther bear grace in the eyes of all who saw her?
Torah Temimah citing Megilah 13a: To every person it seemed that she was from his nation.
Vilna Gaon: Even though she was in such pain that she became green 1 , Hashem put a string of Chesed over her.
Rav Uzi'el Milevsky asked, why does it say (Megilah 15a) that the one who says 'Esther Yorekes' cannot hold that she was one of the four Yafyafiyos (most beautiful women ever)? Perhaps initially she was Yafyafiyah! I answer that Yafyafiyah implies that she was beautiful her entire life. (PF)
