Final answer:
Captain Nemo is first portrayed as mysterious and detached but changes throughout 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.' He exhibits compassion for ocean life and eventually shares his tragic past with Professor Aronnax, showing emotional growth and complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Captain Nemo, a central character in Jules Verne's novel 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea', is initially portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure. He is a master of his submarine, the Nautilus, and has deep knowledge of the sea. However, Captain Nemo also demonstrates a certain detachment from humanity and a disdain for the surface world, which is reflected in his self-imposed exile beneath the waves.
Throughout the novel, Captain Nemo's character evolves, and we witness specific instances that display changes in his demeanor. One clear instance is when Nemo shows great compassion and respect for the ocean life, abstaining from unnecessary killing, which reveals his deeply held principles about nature and life. Another instance is when he reveals his tragic past to Professor Aronnax, allowing his vulnerabilities to surface and showcasing a change from being a completely closed-off individual to one who can share his pain and form a bond with another person.
These changes in Nemo's character highlight his complexity, adding depth to his role in the story and showing that despite his self-imposed isolation, Captain Nemo is capable of growth and emotional expression.