Clara

Clara is a young girl who is nonverbal and communicates through writing. She is the ward of Mr. Crowe and lives with him and Eustace in a large, dilapidated manor. At the outset of the novel, Clara spends her days writing, wandering the property, and sharing her creative work with Eustace. One day, she sees herself in the mirror and notices that the reflection is moving of its own accord. She converses with the other Clara who shows her that she can make swans. While the bird that the other Clara makes appears perfect, the rest of the flock swarms the new creation and pecks ferociously at its feathers. Clara dives into the water and makes the swan indistinguishable from the others.

During the dinner party, prepared for Dr. Chastern’s visit, Clara accompanies Arabella to the library. The older woman claims to need help finding the novel...