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Like Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker makes appearances in both the Stahlbaums’ reality and the world of the Puppet Kingdom. He takes on numerous identities throughout the story, and each one shapes the overall image of his character. When Maria first lays eyes on the Nutcracker, he is nothing more than a wooden toy with a talent for cracking nuts. This version of the Nutcracker is the only one that the Stahlbaums are able to see, and despite his vibrant purple uniform, they only focus on his deformed appearance. The ongoing discussions of the Nutcracker’s ugliness offer Hoffmann the opportunity to critique the shallowness of conventional beauty standards. As Maria astutely observes, there is so much more to the Nutcracker than his physical appearance. His eyes alone reflect his kind heart, a quality which only grows as he comes to life in Maria’s presence. This second iteration of the Nutcracker highlights his courage, especially during the battle against the Mouse King, as well as resilience. Despite the size and strength of the mouse army, he does not shy away from the fight.
The second half of the story introduces the idea that the Nutcracker is the cursed version of Drosselmeier’s nephew, and this detail further complicates his character. In the story of Princess Pirlipat, Young Drosselmeier proves to be the only one capable of cracking the nut Crackatuck and freeing the princess from Lady Mouserings’ curse. The description of him as someone “who had never been shaved, and who had never worn boots” suggests that he remains pure and untouched by social expectations. Even in human form, Young Drosselmeier remains an important figure in Hoffmann’s thematic exploration of appearances. The transfer of the curse onto him does not change his humble character, so when he finally has the opportunity to thank Maria for helping him defeat the Mouse King, he does so with the utmost grace and respect. He values her in a way that her family never could, making a life in Marchpane Castle an even more desirable option. Whether as a boy or as a wooden toy, the Nutcracker’s pure heart helps guide Maria to be the best version of herself.
