Nimona

As a narrative device, shapeshifting is often used to symbolize a character’s unfixed or fluid identity. Nimona more specifically explores Shifting Identity as Queer Symbolism through the motif of shapeshifting. Nimona is an effective example since her abilities hide and reveal her deeper nature in turn.

In the first part of the book, Nimona is characterized as a carefree, immature, enthusiastic young girl who can shift into different animals, and her transformations are often depicted in humorous ways. An example is when she turns into a shark to surprise Blackheart in the first chapter. At this point in the story, Nimona appears secure both in her abilities and in her identity.

Over the course of the story, her power is gradually revealed to be virtually limitless; she is even able to regenerate when killed. The narrative does not depict her limitless power positively because it attracts other people’s greed and leads them to fear and ostracize her. When that happens, Nimona grows increasingly defensive and therefore confirms their belief that she is dangerous. This social “othering” makes her even more unstable, as she implicitly starts doubting her identity. She initially rejects the label of “monster” but then regards herself as a monster.