# Clara Sesemann — Heidi character guide > Clara Sesemann in Heidi by Johanna Spyri. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Clara, Miss Clara, little Clara **First appearance:** 0005-v-two-visitors ## Snapshot A wealthy, wheelchair-bound girl in Frankfurt who longs for company, she befriends Heidi and finds her dull lessons suddenly worth attending. ## Who they are Clara lives in a grand house of streets, tutors, and cod-liver oil, and her mornings stretch endlessly until Heidi arrives to share them. She is kind but sheltered, and her attachment to Heidi grows even as her friend pines visibly for the mountains. Her fragility and her father's absences make her both the reason Heidi is kept in Frankfurt and the person whose happiness depends on Heidi staying. ## Relationships ### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi) _friendship_ Clara and Heidi form a deep, supportive friendship that helps Clara regain her health and joy. ### [Mr. Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/mr_sesemann) _family_ Mr. Sesemann is Clara's loving but often absent father, who deeply cares for her well-being. ### [Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/grandfather) _friendship_ Grandfather becomes a gentle caretaker and mentor to Clara during her stay in the Alps, helping her walk again. ### [Grandmama](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/grandmama) _family_ Grandmama is Clara's wealthy, doting grandmother who indulges her and later supports her friendship with Heidi. ### [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/the_doctor) _professional_ The Doctor is Clara's physician, who monitors her health and recommends the mountain cure. ### [Sebastian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/sebastian) _professional_ Sebastian is Clara's loyal household servant, who attends to her needs with respect and care. ### [Peter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/peter) _friendship_ Clara and Peter become friends during her stay in the Alps, though Peter is initially jealous of her bond with Heidi. ### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi) _friendship_ Clara and Heidi form a deep, supportive friendship that helps Clara regain her health and joy. ### [Heidi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/heidi) _friendship_ Clara and Heidi form a deep, supportive friendship that helps Clara regain her health and joy. ### [Mr. Sesemann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/mr_sesemann) _family_ Mr. Sesemann is Clara's loving but often absent father, who deeply cares for her well-being. ### [Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/grandfather) _friendship_ Grandfather becomes a gentle caretaker and mentor to Clara during her stay in the Alps, helping her walk again. ### [Grandmama](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/grandmama) _family_ Grandmama is Clara's wealthy, doting grandmother who indulges her and later supports her friendship with Heidi. ## In the story ### [A New Chapter with New Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/vi-a-new-chapter-with-new-things) A sick child in a rolling-chair, eager for Heidi's company, amused by Heidi's innocence. ### [Miss Rottenmeier Has an Uncomfortable Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/vii-miss-rottenmeier-has-an-uncomfortable-day) Amused by Heidi's antics, enjoys the excitement, and welcomes the kittens. ### [VIII: Great Disturbances in the Sesemann House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/viii-great-disturbances-in-the-sesemann-house) Enjoys Heidi's company, promises rolls for the grandmother, and defends Heidi against Miss Rottenmeier. ### [The Master of the House Hears of Strange Doings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/ix-the-master-of-the-house-hears-of-strange-doings) Delighted to see her father, explains the incidents with the kittens and turtle, and asks for Heidi to stay. ### [X: A Grandmama](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/x-a-grandmama) Listens as Heidi reads to her and expresses desire for Heidi to stay long-term. ### [XI: Heidi Gains in Some Respects and Loses in Others](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xi-heidi-gains-in-some-respects-and-loses-in-others) Clara rests while Heidi visits Grandmama, and later tries to comfort Heidi when she mistakes a story for reality, but is unable to calm her. ### [The Sesemann House Is Haunted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xii-the-sesemann-house-is-haunted) Frightened by the ghost story, she refuses to stay alone and sleeps with Miss Rottenmeier. ### [XIV: On Sunday When the Church Bells Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xiv-on-sunday-when-the-church-bells-ring) Sends a letter announcing a planned visit to Ragatz with Grandmama. ### [Preparations for a Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xv-preparations-for-a-journey) Bravely accepts the cancellation of her trip and urges the doctor to go, sending gifts and messages for Heidi. ### [News from Distant Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xx-news-from-distant-friends) Visits the Alps for the first time, is deeply moved by the beauty of the mountains, and is allowed to stay for several weeks. ### [Of Further Events on the Alp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xxi-of-further-events-on-the-alp) Clara experiences newfound health and appetite, sleeps well, and is delighted with her new life on the mountain. ### [Something Unexpected Happens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xxii-something-unexpected-happens) Clara takes her first steps with Heidi and Peter's help, experiencing immense joy. ### [Parting to Meet Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/chapters/xxiii-parting-to-meet-again) Clara is sad to leave the Alp but excited for the trip; she sends love to Peter and the goats, promising salt for Schwänli. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters/clara_sesemann - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heidi_se/characters