Who Clara Sesemann is
Clara Sesemann is about twelve when Heidi arrives at her family's house in Frankfurt. She is pale and cannot walk, and she spends her days in a wheeled chair. Her home has servants, lessons and rules, but she is lonely and glad to have company.
What Clara Sesemann wants
Clara wants a friend to brighten her days, and she quickly takes to Heidi. She treats the younger girl kindly, even as Heidi struggles with the household's expectations. Their friendship brings warmth to a house where good manners and order matter so much.
Clara Sesemann and the others in the story
Dete brings Heidi to Frankfurt because the Sesemann family needs a companion for Clara. The girls begin to like each other quickly, though Heidi misses her mountain home. Clara's kindness matters to Heidi, but friendship cannot take away her longing for the Alps.
Clara's grandmother, Frau Sesemann, visits the house and gives Heidi encouragement with reading. Fräulein Rottenmeier runs the household while Clara's father is away on business. These adults shape the world in which Clara and Heidi spend their days together.
Questions
Who is Clara Sesemann in Heidi?
Clara Sesemann is Heidi's kind, lonely friend in Frankfurt, where she lives in a wealthy household.
Can Clara Sesemann walk when Heidi meets her?
No, Clara cannot walk when Heidi first meets her and uses a wheeled chair.
How does Clara feel about Heidi?
Clara is glad to have Heidi as a companion, and the two girls soon become friends.