Nina Fortner
Nina Fortner |
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Kanji: | ニナ・フォルトナー |
Age: | 11 (1986/beginning), 20 (1995/post-timeskip), 24 (1999/ending) |
Height: | —— |
Weight: | —— |
Gender: | Female |
Status: | Alive |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Mamiko Noto |
English Voice: | Karen Strassman |
Nina Fortner (ニナ・フォルトナー, Nina Forutonā), also known by her adopted name Nina Fortner, is the deuteragonist of the Monster series. She is the younger twin sister of the enigmatic serial killer Johan Liebert and serves as both his primary target and obsession. Despite their shared traumatic past, Anna represents a stark contrast to Johan’s malevolence, embodying hope, resilience, and the struggle to break free from her brother’s shadow. Her quest to confront Johan and uncover the truth about their shared history is a central theme of the series.
Appearance
Nina Fortner’s Initial Appearance in Anime
Anna is a striking young woman with delicate features and an air of calm strength. She has long, light brown hair that frames her face and large, expressive eyes filled with a mix of warmth and determination. Her beauty is understated yet captivating, reflecting her dual role as both a survivor and a symbol of hope in the story.
Her attire evolves throughout the series, transitioning from simple and practical clothing as Nina Fortner to more elegant and composed outfits as she confronts her past and embraces her identity as Anna Liebert. Despite her refined appearance, there is an edge of vulnerability in her expressions, hinting at the inner turmoil she struggles to overcome.
Personality
Anna is a kind, courageous, and empathetic individual whose strength lies in her resilience. Despite the immense trauma she endured as a child, she remains compassionate and driven to protect others from harm. As Nina Fortner, she leads a peaceful life as a university student, displaying a warm and approachable personality. However, her true identity as Anna Liebert reveals a more complex side to her character, one marked by fear, guilt, and an unyielding determination to confront her brother.
Throughout the series, Anna evolves into a formidable character, capable of facing danger head-on. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and emotional depth make her a compelling counterpart to Johan, highlighting the thematic contrast between hope and despair, good and evil.
Role in the Story
Anna’s journey is central to the narrative of Monster, as she serves as both a key to Johan’s past and a symbol of the possibility of redemption.
Childhood Trauma: Anna and Johan’s traumatic upbringing, including their time at the experimental Kinderheim 511 and their escape from a massacre, serve as the foundation for much of the story. Johan’s manipulation of Anna and her subsequent role in their shared history become pivotal elements in uncovering the truth about Johan’s motives.
As Nina Fortner: Initially living a quiet life as a university student under the name Nina Fortner, Anna’s past begins to unravel when Johan resurfaces and targets her. Her transformation from a seemingly ordinary individual into a determined survivor highlights her inner strength.
Confrontation with Johan: Anna’s relationship with Johan is marked by a blend of familial connection, fear, and a desperate desire to stop him. Her journey to confront him becomes a personal quest for closure and justice, ultimately intertwining with Dr. Kenzo Tenma’s mission.
Relationships
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Johan Liebert: Anna’s relationship with her twin brother is deeply complex, defined by love, fear, and Johan’s manipulative obsession with her. While Johan sees Anna as the only other person who truly understands him, she views him as a force of destruction that must be stopped. Their bond serves as the emotional core of the series.
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Dr. Kenzo Tenma: Anna shares a close bond with Tenma, who becomes her protector and ally in the fight against Johan. Their relationship is built on mutual trust and a shared goal to prevent Johan from causing further harm.
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Dieter: Anna develops a protective and nurturing relationship with Dieter, much like Tenma. Her interactions with him reflect her compassionate nature and her determination to shield others from Johan’s influence.
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The Liebert Family: Anna’s connection to her adopted Liebert family is explored through flashbacks, emphasizing the tragic events that led to their deaths and Johan’s transformation into a monster.
Trivia
Legacy
Anna Liebert / Nina Fortner is a deeply impactful character whose journey encapsulates the series’ exploration of morality, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to endure. As Johan’s counterbalance, she represents the possibility of overcoming darkness and finding redemption, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Her courage, intelligence, and compassion make her a standout character in Monster, ensuring her place as one of the most memorable heroines in anime and manga.
Through Anna’s story, Monster delves into profound themes of identity, survival, and the enduring fight against despair, cementing her legacy as an essential part of Naoki Urasawa’s masterpiece.