# Clothilde Buddenbrook — Buddenbrooks character guide

> Clothilde Buddenbrook in Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** poor Clothilde, Cousin Clothilde

**First appearance:** 0019-part-iii-i

## Who they are

A poor, patient cousin of the Buddenbrooks who lives with the family and later marries modestly.

## In the story

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

The thin, docile cousin from a poor branch of the family, being raised with Tony. She is praised for helping in the kitchen, embodying dutiful humility.

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

Eats with remarkable, silent voracity, embodying the patient hunger of a poor relation, and is teased good-naturedly by old Johann.

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

Present in the family circle, described as thin and old-maidish, quietly eating biscuit crumbs.

### [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 and Tony's letters as sending/receiving greetings.

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

The humble, lean cousin works on her needlework, commenting dryly on the 'wicked people' outside, already resigned to her spinster future.

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

Present but silent, her thinness and plain appearance are noted as she sits at the window.

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

Subject to the Broad Street relatives' jokes, which she receives in good part.

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

Attends the Jerusalem evenings and is noted for having eating contests with Pastor Trieschke, highlighting her passive, enduring presence.

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

Clara's close companion, described as 'poor and pious.' She is present during the engagement walk.

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

Sits silently and hungrily amidst the happy crowd; is the subject of Christian's ironic marriage proposal.

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

Described as 'poor, good-natured Clothilde,' she is a target of contempt at the family gatherings.

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

Present for the family gathering, offering kindly but drawled congratulations.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/buddenbrooks_se/chapters/part-viii-viii)

Overjoyed at being admitted to the Order of St. John, securing her future. She eats almond cream with heartfelt gratitude.

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

The target of family teasing at dinners, which Thomas uses as an opportunity to encourage what he sees as Hanno's 'practical' behavior.

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

Accepts Gerda's departure with her usual patient resignation; teased by Tony for her passive nature.

## Links

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