Thank you for the very intersting links and the comments. Gosh meckinock, you do write with such flare!
Denethor really was a victim of circumstance in many ways but I think the quote you give [along the lines of] if he can't have what he wants, he will have 'naught' is very telling and actually quite sad. He is incapable of doing anything differently by the time. He really is sacrificed.

I must tell you I so enjoy your interpretation of him in 'Truce'! You build him into such a sympathetic character and those conversations with Turgon are priceless. I do hope you finish the tale sometime!