Nimona

The motif of shifting identity that runs throughout Nimona can be read as a symbolic representation of queerness, specifically the construction of fluid LGBTQ+ identities against a normative sociocultural backdrop. Most of the characters in the story can be interpreted as queer, and they each go through shifts that offer insight into the construction of their identities and relationships.

Nimona, who can shapeshift into animals and other people, embodies a literal type of fluidity. Although she passes from one state to another effortlessly, her constant shifting underlies the instability of her identity. This becomes evident as she gradually loses control not only of her ability to transform, but also of her self-perception. At first, Nimona projects confidence through humor and emphatic mannerisms. As fragments of her past are revealed through unreliable memories and hypothetical stories, her carefully crafted facade gives way to a much more ambiguous identity. At one point, Blackheart even remarks to Nimona in her human form: “You forgot your own backstory, Nimona. It wasn’t true. I took it for granted that this was your natural form. But it’s not, is it?” (168). This highlights Nimona’s own confusion in her identity as well as the power of perception in creating false or partial identities, which are significant queer motifs.

This idea that the other characters only see what they want to see is also echoed by Goldenloin, when he realizes he is seeing Nimona from the wrong perspective: “We assumed she was a girl disguised as a monster, but she’s not. She’s a monster disguised as a girl” (162). In short, Nimona’s initial construction as a harmless young girl is partly a conscious pretense on her part since she does so to protect herself and avoid being ostracized. The act of concealment for protection is reminiscent of LGBTQ+ individuals remaining closeted. However, Nimona’s human persona is also the result of implicit biases. The humorous tone of the story and its use of well-known fairy tale tropes guide the reader to make assumptions about the protagonist. Stevenson subverts these narrative expectations in the second part of the book when Nimona’s entire nature is revealed, and the narrative genre shifts to horror. The story of Nimona therefore challenges the validity of those assumptions by drawing attention to the harm they may cause. For example, the Director’s distorted view of Nimona as evil and dangerous forces Nimona to defend herself and become the “monster [that she was] looking for” (198).

In parallel to Nimona’s arc, both Blackheart and Goldenloin can also be interpreted as queer. Both characters go through symbolic shifts in their identities, first attempting to embrace their designated roles (i.e., hero and villain) before discarding those labels altogether and eventually reclaiming their agency. The Institution assigns labels and expects conformity in the same way that oppressive sociocultural systems repress LGBTQ+ identities by enforcing rigid gender roles and categorizing any other identities as diverging from the norm (i.e., cis/heteronormativity). In both cases, narrative and gender roles are socially constructed. Although it is evident from early on in the story that Blackheart is not the amoral villain he is painted to be any more than Goldenloin is a righteous hero, those roles prevent them from acting on their true nature at critical points in the narrative. In the end, both characters symbolically need to come out of the closet to finally be liberated from the Institution’s repressive rule.

Incidentally, Blackheart fervently resists the label of “monster,” which is often used to symbolize the othering of a marginalized individual or group in literature. This highlights his desire to prevent Nimona from being dehumanized and villainized, as LGBTQ+ people often are through such rhetoric. In the end, although Nimona’s identity is still in question, she has found stability and validation through her relationship with Blackheart. He and Goldenloin have also successfully dismantled the status quo by destroying the Institution and claiming their place in society outside of arbitrary labels. LGBTQ+ symbols and motifs abound in Nimona, creating an undeniably queer story about claiming one’s identity against rigid societal norms and expectations.