Makoto Nījima is a third-year student and the student council president of Shujin Academy. She lives with her older sister, Sae Nījima, a prosecutor. Intelligent, honest, and hard-working, Makoto possesses a strong sense of responsibility and a deeply ingrained work ethic. She is initially perceived as cold and unapproachable by many of her peers, and is viewed as an authority figure who turned a blind eye to the abuses of teacher Suguru Kamoshida. At the start of the story, the school principal tasks her with investigating the Phantom Thieves of Hearts in exchange for a letter of recommendation to a prestigious university. She closely observes the group and eventually discovers their identities. Rather than reporting them, she proposes a deal: she will keep their secret if they use their abilities to change the heart of a mafia boss named Junya Kaneshiro, who is blackmailing students at her school. This decision leads to her own blackmail at Kaneshiro's hands and ultimately forces her to confront the corrupt system she has been upholding. Her desperation and bottled-up frustration trigger the awakening of her Persona, Johanna, and she genuinely joins the Phantom Thieves, adopting the code name Queen. She becomes the team's strategist and provides logical, calm guidance, often acting as the voice of reason. Her primary motivation is the pursuit of justice, which is shaped by her father's death, the demanding expectations placed on her by her sister and society, and her own desire to find a place where she truly belongs. She struggles with the pressure of being a model student and learning to express her own will, rather than simply following orders. Her relationship with her sister Sae is a significant source of personal conflict, as Sae initially supports the investigation into the Phantom Thieves and has her own distorted Palace. Makoto is determined to change Sae's heart and save her from her own misguided sense of justice. Within the Phantom Thieves, she bonds closely with leader Ren Amamiya, relying on him as a trusted partner in decision-making. She has a contrasting dynamic with Ryuji Sakamoto, where her rationality balances his impulsiveness. With Ann Takamaki, she develops a friendship that helps her consider perspectives beyond pure logic. Over the course of the story, Makoto grows from a rigid and obedient student into a confident individual who fights for her own convictions. She learns to balance her strong sense of duty with her personal desires and to prioritize her own needs and the well-being of her friends. Her notable abilities include wielding tekko-style weapons and revolvers in combat. Her initial Persona, Johanna, manifests as a motorcycle-themed entity, symbolizing her rebellious spirit and freedom. She specializes in nuclear-elemental attacks and support skills, effectively exploiting enemy weaknesses and providing buffs and healing for her party. Her Persona later evolves into Anat and eventually Agnes, each transformation reflecting her deepening resolve and personal growth.