Nimona

Chapters 8 and 9 mark a shift in the narrative as it takes on a gradually darker tone, even including some horror undertones. Symbolically, the change in Nimona’s hair from red to purple represents her evolution through trauma. When the Institution beheads Nimona, she transforms into a dark, red-eyed dragon. Nimona undergoes dramatic transformations when she is angry at momentarily losing control of her shapeshifting due to Dr. Blitzmeyer’s device and when she carries an injured Blackheart home. She also morphs into a larger, scaly form of herself like she did briefly when she felt threatened by Blackheart in Chapter 5. These instances suggest that she uses her dark dragon form when she feels scared or threatened. Although her transformation underscores her unpredictable and variable nature, she also transforms when Blackheart is endangered, further developing the theme of The Significance of Found Family. At the same time, her relationship with Blackheart deteriorates as her attempts to protect him end in death and violence, leading Blackheart to realize that he cannot control her impulses.

Chapter 9 thematically develops Shifting Identity as Queer Symbolism and Ambivalent Morality and Moral Dilemmas. The dramatic revelation that Nimona is virtually immortal leads Goldenloin to negatively label Nimona: “We assumed she was a girl disguised as a monster, but she’s not. She’s a monster disguised as a girl” (162). This reversal of perspective creates suspense and shows that Goldenloin’s character is at a moral crossroads: He could equally choose to kill Nimona or join Blackheart’s side. In labeling Nimona a “monster,” Goldenloin aligns with the Institution in “othering” Nimona. In tandem, Blackheart finally exposes the Institution publicly, forcing the Director’s hand in trying to destroy him. Now that the Institution has nothing to lose, the Director becomes more violent and dangerous. This creates a significant parallel with Nimona’s own defense mechanism, as she also becomes aggressive when she is cornered. The difference, however, is in the intention behind those reactions. Whereas the Institution seeks to maintain power, Nimona only attempts to protect herself in reaction to the trauma she has endured. As a result, the main characters are all facing moral quandaries that foreshadow their climactic confrontation in the final chapters.