Nora Gainesborough is a chancellor of the Authority. Nora's maker was Godric, making her and Eric Northman siblings. Although a member of the authority, Nora and chancellor Alexander Drew both were secretly a member of the Sanguinistas, a group of vampires who take the Vampire Bible to heart, and believe that humans are nothing more than food for vampires, and believe that Lilith will rise and take down those who don't stay true to her.

Nora's cover was blown when she tried to assist Eric and Bill Compton escape the country for killing spokesperson Nan Flanagan. During her interrogation, she blew chancellor Drew's cover and he is staked by Roman in front of the rest of the Chancellors. When looking for Russell, Bill theorizes that Eric told Nora and is using Russell to help her Sanguinista movement. After Bill, Eric, Sookie and Alcide found Russell Edgington, Eric finds out that Bill is probably right, as Nora reveals to Eric that finding Russell Edgington was God's plan, and that Lilith will rise again. Eric tries to stop Roman, but is too late as Russell Edgington breaks free and stakes Roman in front of everyone.