Nick Chopper

Nick Chopper is the name of the Tin Woodman of Oz. He was once human but lost lost a limb, one at a time, from an evil spell on his axe. Eventually all of his body was replaced with tin (and eventually he nickel-plated to prevent deterioration).

After his adventures with the first Dorothy, Nick Chopper settled down and ruled as the Emperor of the Winkies. He also commanded Ozma's armies. His tireless body meant he could do many things others simply could not; he needs no food or drink or sleep to stay alive. One of his closest friends was the Scarecrow, and they shared many adventures together.

Despite Nick's considerable worries about his heart, he had one. He was capable of deep feelings and he married his long-separated love, Nimmie Aimee. They wanted children, so Ozma took a purple flower from the Gilikin Country, and created Adora Choppe r from it with a piece of Nick's own heart. Adora Chopper became the Witch of the West, but tragedy befell the Choppers when she fell in love with Prince Chadrick of Neer. He left her under a cloud and her heart was broken from the strain of bearing their twin children. For years many people blamed Chadrick on her broken heart.

With Adora now the Neutral Witch of the West, Nick and Aimee raised their grandchildren, Selva and Warrick. For a time things were well, but the twins unknowingly opened a door containing a Shadow monster, and it killed Adora as she defended her children. Ozma vanished and no one could find her.

With Ozma gone, death returned to the land, and Aimee grew sick and died. Nick went outside, turned his face to the sun, and rusted. He did not respond even when poor Selva oiled and pleaded with him.

There is a good chance that Nick did not respond because he, too, was fighting a Shadow Infection and did not want it to escape his body. Either way, it is a tragic ending and we can only hope for a happier one someday.