Key Characteristics:
* Haunted by the Past: Nico is deeply affected by his mother's death and the loss of his sister, Bianca. He carries a burden of guilt and grief, which manifests in a withdrawn and somewhat abrasive personality.
* Powerful and Fearful: He is the son of Hades, and therefore possesses incredible shadow manipulation abilities, including summoning the dead. However, he's afraid of his powers and doesn't fully understand how to control them.
* Loyal and Protective: Despite his struggles, Nico demonstrates loyalty to his friends and a fierce protectiveness towards those he cares about. He goes to great lengths to protect Annabeth and Thalia, and even risks his own safety to save them.
* Lonely and Misunderstood: Nico is often seen as an outsider, both by the demigods at Camp Half-Blood and by his fellow Hunters of Artemis. He longs for acceptance and connection, but finds it difficult to open up to others.
* Developing and Growing: Throughout *The Titan's Curse*, Nico begins to emerge from his shell. He develops a close bond with Percy and Annabeth, learns to trust others, and starts to accept his role as a powerful demigod.
Notable Moments:
* Summoning the dead: Nico's ability to summon the dead is a crucial element in the story, both for its power and for the emotional weight it carries.
* His relationship with Bianca: Nico's grief over Bianca's death is a driving force for his actions, and the revelation that she is still alive adds a layer of complexity to his character.
* His connection with Annabeth and Thalia: Nico's connection to the daughters of Athena and Zeus, respectively, is an important element in his development as a character.
* His confrontation with the Furies: Nico's encounter with the Furies highlights his fear of his powers and his determination to protect his friends.
Overall:
Nico's portrayal in *The Titan's Curse* is a turning point for the character. He is no longer simply the "son of Hades," but a complex individual struggling with loss, fear, and the desire for connection. This arc sets the stage for his future growth and development in the series.