Clara's Fate

Traces Clara's life from childhood to happy marriage.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Childhood and betrothal

The Joyful Girl The Orphan Clara and her brother Lothar were taken in by Nathaniel's family. She grew up with Nathaniel and they fell in love. The Betrothal They were betrothed. Clara was cheerful, intelligent, and deeply attached to Nathaniel. The Separation When Nathaniel went to study, she missed him but remained optimistic.

Struggle with Nathaniel's mysticism

The Rational Woman The Unwilling Student Clara was forced to listen to Nathaniel's dark mystical lectures. She found them boring and repugnant. The Poem She rejected his poem about Coppelius, calling it a raving fairy tale. This led to a violent quarrel. The Duel She intervened to stop the duel between Nathaniel and Lothar, showing her courage and love.

Nursing Nathaniel back to health

The Devoted Caregiver The Recovery Clara was at Nathaniel's bedside when he woke. She took him back with love. The Happy Days Plans were made for a future together. Clara believed they had overcome the dark forces. The False Peace She was unaware that the looking-glass still posed a threat.

Survival and new life

The Escape The Attack Nathaniel tried to throw Clara off the tower. She clung to the railing and was saved by Lothar. The Loss Nathaniel jumped to his death. Clara was freed from the dangerous relationship. The New Beginning Years later, Clara was seen with a friendly husband and two children. She found the domestic happiness she deserved.

Before Nathaniel left for university

During Nathaniel's visit home

After his release from the madhouse

After the tower incident