# Clara Buddenbrook — Buddenbrooks character guide

> Clara Buddenbrook in Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** little Clara, Clara Buddenbrook

**First appearance:** 0001-buddenbrooks

## Who they are

The pious younger sister of Thomas, Christian, and Tony, who marries Pastor Tiburtius.

## In the story

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iii-xiii)

Present among the family greeting Tony on the landing.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iv-i)

Mentioned in Consul Johann's letter as sending greetings to Thomas.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iv-ii)

Now ten years old, she observes the commotion from the window with a severe expression, asking her mother about the noisy mob.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-iv-xi)

Sits with rigid posture, suggests postponing the outing due to the rain, and is noted for her stern demeanor that commands respect from servants.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-i)

Appears briefly, described as pallid and frozen with grief, having spent her time in prayer since her father's death. Her dowry is set at eighty thousand marks in the will.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-vi)

The serious, pious, and imperious younger sister. Her austere beauty and God-fearing nature make her an unlikely match for the town's merchants, leading the Frau Consul to see Pastor Tiburtius as a suitable partner. She accepts his proposal during a walk.

### [A Double Betrothal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-v-vii)

Her engagement to Pastor Tiburtius is the other subject of the letter, to which Thomas gives his hearty consent.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-vi-vii)

Her health is a concern; Pastor Tiburtius writes that her severe childhood headaches have returned unbearably.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-vii-vi)

Mentioned as critically ill, diagnosed with suspected brain tuberculosis. She has written a final, shaky letter to her mother and has lost the will to live, 'longing for Heaven.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters/clara_buddenbrook
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/characters