Clara Sesemann is a beautiful invalid young girl in a wheelchair. Clara stopped being able to walk after being traumatized by the death of her mother as a very little girl. She believes that she cannot walk at all, and thinks that she will never have the strength to do so. She lives in Frankfort. with her governess, named Mrs Rottenmier, who is very strict, and a few servants (like Sebastian and Tinette) who help her. Clara is very spoiled and has been given lots of things.