There is an imbalance of power between the characters in the world of The Tail of Emily Windsnap, and this imbalance consistently works against Emily’s family and the families of lower-class individuals. Neptune proves to be the most powerful character among merfolk and humans alike, while within the human world, authority over Emily appears in the form of her mother and Mr. Beeston. Kessler’s main characters push back against authority to find happiness, while authority consistently attempts to restrict and limit the characters. The harm that can be inflicted by figures of power is explored, and the importance of personal autonomy against higher powers is emphasized throughout Emily’s story.

Power is initially examined through Emily’s experiences as a young person. Emily has wanted to swim for her entire life, but her mother has forbidden her. Once her mother agrees to let Emily swim, Emily is forced to see a hypnotist when she attempts to get out of swim class, and then must attend the class despite the possibility that she may transform in front of her peers. Emily is unable to control her own life, and this lack of control puts her in danger of being discovered in a school

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