Gobolatula said:But, if there's one character who I find overall terrible, it would have to be Nina the prostitute. I found there to be nothing redeeming about her at all. Sure, there were tragic things happening to her, but she was downright pitiful. Not even compellingly pitiful.
I used to feel sort of the same, but my opinion of Nina changed on the last read-through. And I agree, there is nothing redeeming about her at all. But look at her character and what happens in the reality of the world of Berserk. There is no possible way someone like her could stand up the powers that be nor does she believe she can, like the rest of the poor humans, highlighted in this arc with probably the largest display of civilian slaughter to date. In the human struggle/survival themes in Berserk, what do you do if you can't fight, you're not strong, or smart? Her character shows that if you can run and hide, and do it well, that you can survive the day. Which we can agree does not happen for a lot of people.
It is a survival adaptation strategy. It may not be noble, courageous, or exciting to watch, but for some people turning tail and selling out WORKS, which is vital above all else. Nina is the representative this characteristic/strategy in Berserk. She admits her cowardice, there is no pretense of bravado. She maybe sort of annoying to listen to and pathetic, but she offers viable counter-example to Guts's "fight and endure" strategy, like Miura is giving a self-conscious nod to this "ability". I wouldn't go so far as to say she's the anti-Guts, but they are on as opposite ends of the spectrum as you can get.
And perhaps most importantly (and ironically) - she gets a Happy Ending! How many minor characters get that?! And for what? For sniveling, crying, running away from pain, selling out her friends, doing drugs, and going to orgies? It makes me ponder what Miura is trying to say with her.