My Hero Academia takes the time to develop nearly all of its characters in meaningful ways, explaining their background and motivation to become a Pro Hero, a teacher at U.A., or even a fully-fledged villain. Not all characters need serious baggage such as Shoto Todoroki though -- others, such as the R-rated hero Midnight, are simply following their passion.
Midnight, whose real name is Nemuri Kayama, didn't need a tragic backstory, nor did she become a hero for fame, glory or money. Instead, Midnight's character arc makes it clear that she is simply being true to her heart, and setting a good example for everyone around her, even if she's not the symbol of peace. Here is her story.
Midnight's Compassion & Rise As A Kind Hero
Chronologically, Nemuri first appeared in the My Hero Academia Vigilantes spinoff manga series as a third-year student at U.A., but was already comfortable with her Somnambulist Quirk and fighting style as a hero. During this time, Midnight proved herself flamboyant yet caring -- the former by interning with the showy hero His Purple Highness, and the latter because she can never abandon a friend or animal in need. This unusual combination of eccentricity and compassion would soon define Midnight's hero career and personality. She formed a meaningful friendship with second-year student Shota Aizawa, as well as Hizashi Yamada (Present Mic) and another boy named Oboro Shirakumo.
Aizawa and Midnight had very different personalities, but that didn't stop them from becoming a dynamic duo. When Aizawa adopted a stray kitten, Midnight volunteered to take it in under her gentle care until a better owner could be found. Midnight has a strong sense of responsibility and compassion, vital for a hero, and she proves a big heart can easily match any powerful Quirk in My Hero Academia.
She was heartbroken when Shirakumo lost his life in the line of duty, but that didn't break her resolve as a hero. Midnight, like her eventual co-worker All Might, lives more for the sake of others than herself. She is happiest when everyone else is happy too, which became a core theme of her character arc and professional career as a hero. It's true that Midnight has a sadistic side, as she clearly showed to her opponent Minoru Mineta at one point, but that's just self-indulgence, not cruelty.
The Many Adventures & Friendships Of Midnight
During the events of both My Hero Academia's anime and the Vigilantes spinoff, Midnight continued to prove herself as fun-loving, whimsical and selfless above all. She ranks among the most virtuous heroes, being true to her heart while acting only for the sake of others. For example, Midnight played a major role in helping Koichi Hirose and Pop Step form a pop idol group to promote a local shopping center, and she happily donned a disguise to help Koichi track down some criminals. Even outlaw vigilantes are welcome to Midnight's aid, and U.A. students get their fair share too. Midnight became a teacher at U.A. before Aizawa did, and she personally urged him to become an instructor as well. It worked, and Class 1-A soon got itself the ideal homeroom teacher as a result.
Midnight teaches the art class at U.A., and while little of this is seen, she can educate her students in other ways as well. Her creative talents and outgoing personality made her Aizawa's #1 choice for helping Class 1-A's students come up with their hero names, and she certainly recognized Bakugo's name, King Explosion Murder, as wildly inappropriate.
Likewise, Midnight hosted the U.A. sports festival and took delight in watching the students compete with all their heart, and introduced All Might when he arrived to hand out medals to the top three students. Midnight helped make the festival much more fun, and she still wasn't done enjoying herself for the sake of her students. In a filler My Hero Academia episode, Midnight gleefully took part in a jewelry store robbery scenario, playing a shop employee who had more than a little drama to share with the students. She also took part in the students-vs-teachers training sequence, facing both Minoru Mineta and the tape-dispensing Hanta Sero.
Midnight got very into character as a villain, helping Minoru find the courage to face a menacing adversary and fight back despite his fear. Being a hero isn't just about physical or Quirk strength, after all -- it's also about strength of spirit, and Midnight has plenty of that. With any luck, all of her beloved students will follow her example.
