In the Veins of the Drowning

The novel’s 26-year-old protagonist, Imogen Nel, is secretly a Siren and the supposed adopted daughter of King Nemea—a king who openly hunts Sirens and shuns their Great Goddess Ligea. As the novel progresses, she becomes the love interest of Theodore Ariti. Imogen Nel possesses a unique power in which she can lure without using her voice, unlike other Sirens. This foreshadows the discovery that she is the offspring of the Great Goddess Ligea and King Nemea.

Imogen begins as a passive character who adheres to the demands of King Nemea and Evander but who dreams of Finding Belonging and personal autonomy. Imogen struggles with self-loathing, anger, and resentment. She grew up thinking “being docile and obedient would give [her] a sort of strength, safety” but “[she]’d made herself fragile instead […] turned herself into something easily snapped” (43). Imogen longs to gain freedom, discover her own strength, and find belonging in a world that has only ever made her feel like an outsider.

Imogen’s passivity is highlighted by her association with her friend and former governess, Agatha, who is much stronger and more confident than her. Imogen wants Agatha to “think [her] as brave and hardy as she was” but knows “[she] was no such thing” (4).