Although Shori Matthews is a 53-year-old vampire, she is considered prepubescent for her species. Therefore, Fledgling could be considered a kind of bildungsroman, a coming-of-age story that follows Shori’s ascent into adulthood and the obstacles she faces along the way. However, being a science fiction novel, Fledgling plays with established reality and literary tropes to create a new reality. The traditional bildungsroman is modified by Shori being a supernatural being called an Ina. In fact, the novel’s title is a reference to Shori’s development: Like a fledgling bird that grows feathers for flight, she grows by accepting her amnesia and challenging the evil of white supremacy. Although she never recovers her memory, she learns to move on as a new person with both old and learned instincts. Shori begins as a blank slate and slowly learns more about her past as she encounters different humans and Ina.

Shori’s lack of memory creates an identity crisis. She feels alien in her own skin and new surroundings. At first, she feels strange about her mysterious relationship with Wright, and later feels guilty for not remembering family and friends. Shori expresses frustration at having to relearn Ina traditions and rules, and feels foolish for repeatedly asking questions.