Series & First Appearance
Nana appears in the anime and manga series Elfen Lied, created by Lynn Okamoto. While the anime was released in 2004, the manga began publishing in 2002. Nana is introduced in Chapter 53 of the manga and Episode 11 of the anime, marking her as a significant figure in the ongoing narrative.
Profile at a Glance
Nana, also known as Number 7, is a young Silpelit girl with an apparent age of 12-14, although she is only six years old due to the rapid aging process of her species. She is aligned with the Diclonii, a subspecies of humans. Her signature abilities include her telekinetic vectors, which allow her to manipulate objects and disable the vectors of other Diclonii.
Personality & Motivations
Nana is characterized as friendly, kind, and empathetic, often reflecting a nurturing disposition towards others, contrasting starkly with the violent tendencies of many other Diclonii, including Lucy. Driven by a desire to impress her surrogate father figure, Kurama, she shows a notable willingness to take risks. Despite her youthful innocence, Nana occasionally enters trances where her demeanor shifts to a colder, more serious tone, reminiscent of Lucy’s default personality. This duality enhances her complexity and highlights her internal struggles.
Abilities / Powers
Nana possesses the ability to manifest four telekinetic vectors, which extend up to three meters, giving her a slight edge in range over Lucy’s vectors. She can disable the vectors of other Diclonii by targeting their pineal glands, showcasing her tactical proficiency in combat. While Nana’s strength does not match Lucy’s—who can lift much heavier objects—her vectors allow her to manipulate prosthetic arms and legs after suffering severe injuries. Initially a more pacifistic character, her lack of violent tendencies serves as a notable limitation in confrontations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Nana’s journey is heavily tied to her relationship with Kurama, who treats her with kindness, a stark contrast to her fellow Diclonii who often experience neglect and brutality. A pivotal moment occurs when Kurama sends her to locate Lucy; however, overwhelmed by the desire to prove herself, she attempts to capture Lucy, leading to a brutal encounter where Lucy dismembers her. Kurama’s decision to save Nana by providing her with prosthetic limbs and resources highlights her evolution from a mere test subject to a character with agency and potential for independence.
Notable Relationships
- Kurama: As her father figure, Kurama’s nurturing influence shapes Nana’s personality and moral compass, establishing her as the antithesis of many other Diclonii.
- Lucy: Nana’s interactions with Lucy underline the stark contrast between their personalities and choices. Their initial conflict serves as a crucial turning point in her narrative arc.
- Director General Kakuzawa: Represents the antagonistic forces in Nana’s life, as he orders her death, showcasing the conflicts between her desires for freedom and the institution’s objectives.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Nana’s most iconic moments occurs during her confrontation with Lucy, where her attempt to prove her strength inadvertently leads to catastrophic consequences for herself. The emotional weight of her subsequent rescue reinforces her fragility amid a world filled with violence. A poignant line that encapsulates her character is, "I just want to make everyone smile!" This showcases her fundamental desire for connection and acceptance, resonating deeply with fans who appreciate her role as a beacon of innocence within a dark narrative.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Nana’s name, "Nana," derives from the Japanese word for the number seven, reflecting her designation as Number 7 within the research facility. This dual meaning enhances her character’s symbolism.
- In the anime adaptation, Nana is voiced by Kana Hanazawa (JP) and Laura Bailey (EN), both of whom bring distinct interpretations that balance her kindhearted nature with the underlying tension in her character arc.
- Nana’s popularity has cultivated a dedicated fanbase, ranking her consistently among the top characters in character favorites polls, with over 970 fans listing her among their favorites due to her unique blend of innocence and strength amid adversity.
Nana serves as a compelling example of how kindness can exist even in a world filled with brutality, making her a character of profound emotional depth and resonance in Elfen Lied.
