# Clara — Basil character guide > Clara in Basil by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Poor Clara, Miss Clara **First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i ## Snapshot Basil's steadfast sister, whose quiet distress over his disgrace moves the reckless Ralph to promise he will pull his brother through the wreckage. ## Who they are Clara is the family's steady heart, usually undemonstrative yet visibly shattered when Basil's secret marriage becomes known. Her grief, seen through Ralph's account of her pacing with Basil's letter in hand, shames even the careless Ralph into action on his brother's behalf. Her loyalty gives Basil a fragile thread back to the home he has lost, and her concern quietly measures the cost of his choices. ## Relationships ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _romantic_ Basil is engaged to Clara, but their relationship is strained by his secret past and her growing suspicion and jealousy. ### [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph) _social_ Clara and Ralph are polite acquaintances, but Clara often uses Ralph to gather information about Basil's activities. ### [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin) _rivalry_ Clara sees Margaret as a romantic rival for Basil's affection, and their interactions are tense and competitive. ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _romantic_ Basil is engaged to Clara, but their relationship is strained by his secret past and her growing suspicion and jealousy. ### [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph) _social_ Clara and Ralph are polite acquaintances, but Clara often uses Ralph to gather information about Basil's activities. ### [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph) _social_ Clara and Ralph are polite acquaintances, but Clara often uses Ralph to gather information about Basil's activities. ### [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin) _rivalry_ Clara sees Margaret as a romantic rival for Basil's affection, and their interactions are tense and competitive. ## In the story ### [Basil Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/basil) A woman Basil avoids, who later visits him in his lodging. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Basil's younger sister, mentioned as part of the family. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Basil's sister, treated with old-fashioned gallantry by their father. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Basil's sister, deeply loved and cherished by him, the focus of his emotional outpouring. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-v) Basil's sister, described as gentle, kind, and influential, with hidden depths of feeling. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Basil's sister, weary of London gaieties, longs for the country, and takes charge of arranging Basil's study. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Finds Basil pale and anxious, and notices his changed demeanor. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Mentioned as having returned from a ball and having set Basil's manuscript in order, showing her care for him. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Mentioned as a possible source of a carriage, but Basil avoids using hers. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Basil avoids her when he returns home, feeling a sense of humiliation for the first time as he hides his secret from his sister. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-xii) Plans a surprise of new bookcases for Basil, shows anxiety and love, and offers her support and trust. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Subject of Margaret's inquiries; her appearance and wardrobe are of great interest. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Sends Basil a letter urging him to visit, expressing concern about their father's unease and the potential for a serious estrangement. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-vi) Basil privately informs her that he will share his long-treasured secret with her the next day before he leaves. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-i) Basil's sister, who nurses him back to health and offers comfort. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-ii) Visits Basil, urges him to confess to their father, and shows concern for his well-being. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-iii) Offers Basil encouragement and support before his meeting with their father, promising to act as their mother would have. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-vi) Described by Ralph as being in a state of extreme distress over Basil's situation, having extracted a promise from Ralph to help. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-viii) Seen from a distance in the garden, distressed by her father's displeasure over her visit to Basil. ### [Journal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-journal) Basil's sister, whose memory and keepsake (a bookmarker) provide him comfort and hope. ### [Letter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-letter-ii) The young lady at the grand house, sister of the sick gentleman; initially pale and sad, then overcome with emotion upon hearing the news. ### [Letter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-letter-iii) Basil's sister, who lives with him at Lanreath Cottage and is described as a noble and devoted companion. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/clara - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters