Nodoka Hanadera is a 13-year-old second-year middle school student who becomes the Pretty Cure known as Cure Grace, the group leader associated with flowers. Her background is defined by a childhood marked by a serious illness that required prolonged hospitalization. This condition was later revealed to be caused by a parasite from the Byogen forces, an infection that would ultimately give rise to her archenemy, Daruizen. This difficult period instilled in her a deep-seated sense of gratitude for the kindness she received, which in turn shapes her core motivation to protect others and spread that same compassion.

Her personality is calm, kind-hearted, and driven by a desire to try many new things, a trait somewhat at odds with her limited athletic ability. Despite her physical frailty, she possesses a strong will and an optimistic outlook. Her kindness is her greatest strength, but it can also lead to recklessness, as her powerful desire to protect people or things she values can sometimes cloud her judgment and cause her to underestimate the severity of a situation.

In the context of the story, Nodoka moves to a new town seeking a fresh start. Her destiny changes when she hears a puppy in trouble and runs into a forest, where she meets Latte, a young healing animal, and Rabirin, a fairy from the Healing Garden. Despite the danger of a monster attack, her immediate concern for Latte's well-being allows her to resonate with the hesitant Rabirin, unlocking her ability to transform into Cure Grace. As a Pretty Cure, she is amazed by the physical capabilities and strength she never had, fighting to purify the Megabyogens created by the Byogen empire and protect the Earth from their contamination.

Key relationships are central to her growth. Her partnership with Rabirin starts coldly, as the fairy had hoped for a stronger, more doctor-like partner. However, Nodoka's courage and pure-hearted desire to help eventually moves Rabirin, and they form an unbreakable bond, with any rift between them preventing their transformation. Nodoka becomes the primary caretaker for Latte, feeling a deep kinship with the sickly puppy from their shared experiences. She forms close friendships with her teammates, admiring Chiyu Sawaizumi's athleticism and quickly bonding with the friendly Hinata Hiramitsu. She also serves as a guide to Asumi Fuurin, who stays at her home. Her most personal conflict is with Daruizen, who was born from the parasite that once infected her. This revelation gives her a personal stake in his defeat, deciding she must be the one to confront him.

Nodoka undergoes significant development throughout her journey. She learns to balance her heroic instincts with teamwork, realizing that reckless solo actions can have negative consequences for her companions. Her bond with Rabirin deepens through arguments and reconciliations, teaching them both the importance of trust and communication. Her defining character moment comes when she must confront the source of her childhood pain represented by Daruizen, learning that true kindness also involves setting boundaries and protecting herself. In the movie, her compassion and resolve are further highlighted when she is moved by the plight of a girl named Kaguya, which allows her to unlock a powerful new form, Kaguya Grace, to save her.

As Cure Grace, her notable abilities are centered on floral motifs. In her standard form, she uses a Healing Stick to perform individual attacks like Healing Flower. With her teammates Cure Fontaine and Cure Sparkle, she can perform the powerful group attack Healing Oasis. Her transformation is characterized by a surge of newfound physical prowess. Throughout her journey, she gains access to several enhanced forms, including Super Miracle Grace, Special Healin' Good Style, Rabirin Grace, Dream Cure Grace, and the movie-exclusive Kaguya Grace, each with unique appearances and enhanced abilities that reflect her growing strength and the blossoming of her heart.