Denise Character Analysis in The Nickel Boys

Turner (who at the time goes by Elwood) dates Denise while living in New York City after having left Nickel Academy. A teacher who holds night classes at a local high school, Denise meets Turner when he’s hard at work earning his GED. Although they form a happy couple for a time, their relationship doesn’t last.

Denise Character Timeline in The Nickel Boys

The timeline below shows where the character Denise appears in The Nickel Boys. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Power, Fear, and Upward Mobility Theme Icon

...Worse, there is a garbage strike, meaning that the streets are piled high with trash. Denise, his girlfriend, tells him she’s going out to get ice, making her way downstairs and... (full context)

When Denise returns with the ice, she massages Elwood’s back, which hurts because he’s a professional mover.... (full context)

...through so much trauma. As his mind drifts, he thinks about his failed relationship with Denise, and as he does so, he sees an ambulance whip by outside. As its colors... (full context)