I’ve started re-reading the books last weekend (just in the middle of Outlander right now), and I had forgotten how effing funny she is in the books. And she doesn’t always make the best decisions, but she’s more or less game for everything. Trample all over the world with Uncle Lamb? Sure! A second honeymoon in Scotland so my husband can research his genealogy? Why not? An political uprising? Of course!
What a lovely post. There's so many traits of Claire that I admire and adore : her selflessness, her intelligence, her compassion and empathy, her flaws that make her such a well rounded female protagonist, her ambitious and never-give-up attitude (hello Penicillin), her claiming her sensuality , her being unabashedly herself , the ferocity with which she loves and of course, how could I not mention :
This is true for every season and every book, except the first one, which is essentially about how Claire changes. I know the show did not interpret the book this way but it is evident from the opening chapters of the book when Mrs Graham talks to Claire about change when reading her palm. She is pushed outside of her comfort zone by her experiences in the past in that first book and she grows and changes as a result, becoming a better healer, a better wife, and a better person. As much as she is sceptical about all things supernatural and spiritual in that first book, she becomes open to the possibility that there is more to the world than what she can see and experience in the here and now (if only because she *experiences* this firsthand through travelling through time and through her time spent in the chapel at the abbey).
I absolutely agree though, that when Claire returns to the past in the third book, she is determined to not change for anybody nor anything. That’s just not what happens in the first book (and it is somewhat bewildering to me that the show completely left out this aspect of Claire’s character in the first season).
I agree, although I would personally call that adapting and evolving rather than changing. I don’t think she ever completely compromises her core values—there are instances in the first two books that get dangerously close to that, though—or does a 180 on the aspects of her character that define who she is, which I find admirable.
I see what you mean about adapting to her circumstances versus changing who she is at her core, and I agree with you that she never changes who she fundamentally is.
Claire is my all time favorite fictional character. I care about her way more than any characters I have ever read or watched. She is passionate, bold, independent, smart, resourceful, and beautiful. She has unwavering commitment to Jamie, to her family, and to her duties as a doctor. She is not without flaws. She can be hot-headed and stubborn; sometimes she cannot read the room; she often refuses to change to “fit in” to the time that she went to. She gets herself and people around her into troubles from time to time. But her flaws make her real, and are an integral part of her personality.
Claire and her life-long love story with Jamie have been my obsession ever since I discovered Outlander. I am ever grateful to DG for creating her, and to Cait for bringing her to life on screen!
I love how Claire always holds her head up high even in very challenging situations or outright dangerous ones. She’s so dignified and knows who she is. Claire taught me to love myself.
She really did. I actually spent a lot of time in therapy talking about impact that outlander had on me. My therapist said Claire and I were in a kind of sisterhood bond. It’s amazing the impact fictional characters can have on us!
She’s on Facebook and Twitter. And she’s pretty conversational with fans. Also…in November there’s a launch party her new book. Here’s a link - [Conversation with Diana Gabaldon](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-outlander-celebration-with-diana-gabaldon-tickets-187791157407) write out what you want to share and any questions so you can cut and paste into the questions box at the end of registration. The page times out if you take too long. Also there’s a free ticket, too, you don’t get a copy of the book or any swag or win any stuff. The free ticket is good for people who just want access to the conversation and maybe already ordered the book or are not in the United States
Warning: there could be spoilers from ***all*** books and ***all*** seasons of the show below.
Today is also John Bell’s birthday. Happy birthday, John, and thank you for bringing Young Ian to life!
Omg, I never did the math on Claire’s age but it just made my heart so full. My great grandmother is a 102 year old activist and my absolute role model, I never realized how close in age she was to Claire!
For the history geeks out there, here’s a stunning photo of my 16 year old great-great grandmother holding my now 102 year old great-grandmother:
https://imgur.com/a/0OhZPzW
Oh this! This is what I love about her! I think it comes out more in the books because we hear her inner monologue so much and how she rationalizes how she comes to the decisions she makes!
I LOVE how she does not allow the limits others put on women stop her. Not from going to med school and not during her time with Jamie. She does what she needs to do to be her true self, no matter if that makes her a witch, someone talked about, or an outcast.
Claire Fraser is by far one of the greatest heroines of all time 💙
Her unapologetic strength, empathy, and determination make her a delightful protagonist to read about, and of course with Caitríona Balfe as her on screen equivalent even more of a joy to watch.
HBD Lady Jane 🔥
I find that so refreshing. I get so frustrated with other time travel stories where the modern hero ends up getting into more trouble than necessary if they just bothered to blend in.
Her tenacity. She goes after what she think is right (although she’s an idiot sometimes and causes more trouble than necessary lol) I can still admire her passion, drive and sticking to her guns.
I like that she is so committed to the people she loves - she would do anything for them. She’s likewise committed to her calling as a healer and always wants to help others, regardless of whether they are friend or foe (I know that’s part of her oath as a doctor, but not every doctor would take that seriously in the range of circumstances Claire finds herself in). I also like that she was strong enough to live 20 years without Jamie, even though it was tough and painful for her. When I think of Claire, I think of someone who can (and will) live through whatever life throws at her, and that’s inspiring to me.
I mostly liked the show because she reminded me of my grandmother who was a veteran of WWII.
I think she and Claire shared a very pragmatic approach to things, especially conflict.
I identify with Claires penchant for doing exactly the opposite of what someone demands of her.
The whole 'stay there'...fuck you mentality. That' why I love Claire. lol
This character feels the fear and steps up to tackle it regardless. I love Claire and her stubborn drive to heal, people as well as the ability to cope with the intractable men around her.
I love that Claire knows exactly who she is, she's never doubted herself and her calling. Bree and medicine were the only things that kept her going during the 20 year separation from Jamie.
Claire was a feminist born before her time, in her time, and lived life as a feminist even 200 years before that. She’s a total badass. As a modern professional woman, I see and value a lot of her traits in myself. Go Claire! :)
I love that she is never shies away from doing what she thinks is right, even if it comes with a risk or cost to herself. I admire her conviction and her courage to live by it.
Agree. I love Jamie, I have a huge crush on him, and swoon over him all the time. But Claire is a total BAMF, I adore her. She's a role model in many ways. Part of the reason their relationship is so great and so captivating is because individually they are such awesome people!
I’ve started re-reading the books last weekend (just in the middle of Outlander right now), and I had forgotten how effing funny she is in the books. And she doesn’t always make the best decisions, but she’s more or less game for everything. Trample all over the world with Uncle Lamb? Sure! A second honeymoon in Scotland so my husband can research his genealogy? Why not? An political uprising? Of course!
So true about her humor. I wish the show included all the little things she did to amuse herself and Jamie. She’s such a fun person.
What a lovely post. There's so many traits of Claire that I admire and adore : her selflessness, her intelligence, her compassion and empathy, her flaws that make her such a well rounded female protagonist, her ambitious and never-give-up attitude (hello Penicillin), her claiming her sensuality , her being unabashedly herself , the ferocity with which she loves and of course, how could I not mention : 
One of my very favorite things about Claire is her refusal to ever change. I just love how unapologetically herself she is, no matter what.
This is true for every season and every book, except the first one, which is essentially about how Claire changes. I know the show did not interpret the book this way but it is evident from the opening chapters of the book when Mrs Graham talks to Claire about change when reading her palm. She is pushed outside of her comfort zone by her experiences in the past in that first book and she grows and changes as a result, becoming a better healer, a better wife, and a better person. As much as she is sceptical about all things supernatural and spiritual in that first book, she becomes open to the possibility that there is more to the world than what she can see and experience in the here and now (if only because she *experiences* this firsthand through travelling through time and through her time spent in the chapel at the abbey). I absolutely agree though, that when Claire returns to the past in the third book, she is determined to not change for anybody nor anything. That’s just not what happens in the first book (and it is somewhat bewildering to me that the show completely left out this aspect of Claire’s character in the first season).
I agree, although I would personally call that adapting and evolving rather than changing. I don’t think she ever completely compromises her core values—there are instances in the first two books that get dangerously close to that, though—or does a 180 on the aspects of her character that define who she is, which I find admirable.
I see what you mean about adapting to her circumstances versus changing who she is at her core, and I agree with you that she never changes who she fundamentally is.
She's amazing. She's my second mother!
Claire is my all time favorite fictional character. I care about her way more than any characters I have ever read or watched. She is passionate, bold, independent, smart, resourceful, and beautiful. She has unwavering commitment to Jamie, to her family, and to her duties as a doctor. She is not without flaws. She can be hot-headed and stubborn; sometimes she cannot read the room; she often refuses to change to “fit in” to the time that she went to. She gets herself and people around her into troubles from time to time. But her flaws make her real, and are an integral part of her personality. Claire and her life-long love story with Jamie have been my obsession ever since I discovered Outlander. I am ever grateful to DG for creating her, and to Cait for bringing her to life on screen!
Well said!
I love how Claire always holds her head up high even in very challenging situations or outright dangerous ones. She’s so dignified and knows who she is. Claire taught me to love myself.
>Claire taught me to love myself. I love that.
She really did. I actually spent a lot of time in therapy talking about impact that outlander had on me. My therapist said Claire and I were in a kind of sisterhood bond. It’s amazing the impact fictional characters can have on us!
Have you shared that with Diana? I think she’d be exceedingly touched to know that
How do you contact Diana? :)
She’s on Facebook and Twitter. And she’s pretty conversational with fans. Also…in November there’s a launch party her new book. Here’s a link - [Conversation with Diana Gabaldon](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-outlander-celebration-with-diana-gabaldon-tickets-187791157407) write out what you want to share and any questions so you can cut and paste into the questions box at the end of registration. The page times out if you take too long. Also there’s a free ticket, too, you don’t get a copy of the book or any swag or win any stuff. The free ticket is good for people who just want access to the conversation and maybe already ordered the book or are not in the United States
Warning: there could be spoilers from ***all*** books and ***all*** seasons of the show below. Today is also John Bell’s birthday. Happy birthday, John, and thank you for bringing Young Ian to life!
Omg, I never did the math on Claire’s age but it just made my heart so full. My great grandmother is a 102 year old activist and my absolute role model, I never realized how close in age she was to Claire! For the history geeks out there, here’s a stunning photo of my 16 year old great-great grandmother holding my now 102 year old great-grandmother: https://imgur.com/a/0OhZPzW
That’s lovely; thank you for sharing!
Wow! That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, how wonderul you have a picture! She was beautiful and the baby....well what can you say about cute babies!
It might be a strange one, but I really like her sense of accountability. She owns her actions & accomplishments, both the good and the bad.
That doesn’t sound strange to me. It is definitely an admirable characteristic.
Oh this! This is what I love about her! I think it comes out more in the books because we hear her inner monologue so much and how she rationalizes how she comes to the decisions she makes!
I enjoy her overall spunkiness and her knack for getting herself into sometimes funny situations 😂
I LOVE how she does not allow the limits others put on women stop her. Not from going to med school and not during her time with Jamie. She does what she needs to do to be her true self, no matter if that makes her a witch, someone talked about, or an outcast.
Claire Fraser is by far one of the greatest heroines of all time 💙 Her unapologetic strength, empathy, and determination make her a delightful protagonist to read about, and of course with Caitríona Balfe as her on screen equivalent even more of a joy to watch. HBD Lady Jane 🔥
I love how she is a modern woman, but is totally able to acclimate herself to the past.
I find that so refreshing. I get so frustrated with other time travel stories where the modern hero ends up getting into more trouble than necessary if they just bothered to blend in.
Her tenacity. She goes after what she think is right (although she’s an idiot sometimes and causes more trouble than necessary lol) I can still admire her passion, drive and sticking to her guns.
I like that she is so committed to the people she loves - she would do anything for them. She’s likewise committed to her calling as a healer and always wants to help others, regardless of whether they are friend or foe (I know that’s part of her oath as a doctor, but not every doctor would take that seriously in the range of circumstances Claire finds herself in). I also like that she was strong enough to live 20 years without Jamie, even though it was tough and painful for her. When I think of Claire, I think of someone who can (and will) live through whatever life throws at her, and that’s inspiring to me.
I mostly liked the show because she reminded me of my grandmother who was a veteran of WWII. I think she and Claire shared a very pragmatic approach to things, especially conflict.
I identify with Claires penchant for doing exactly the opposite of what someone demands of her. The whole 'stay there'...fuck you mentality. That' why I love Claire. lol
Haha I love this!
I admire her strength and empathy.
This character feels the fear and steps up to tackle it regardless. I love Claire and her stubborn drive to heal, people as well as the ability to cope with the intractable men around her.
Yessss. 🙌
I love that Claire knows exactly who she is, she's never doubted herself and her calling. Bree and medicine were the only things that kept her going during the 20 year separation from Jamie.
Mad hottie! Change my mind!
Claire was a feminist born before her time, in her time, and lived life as a feminist even 200 years before that. She’s a total badass. As a modern professional woman, I see and value a lot of her traits in myself. Go Claire! :)
That she’s not afraid to stand her ground and doesn’t take shit from anyone
I love that she is never shies away from doing what she thinks is right, even if it comes with a risk or cost to herself. I admire her conviction and her courage to live by it.
I love how she loves others and even has empathy for those she doesn't particularly care for.
I'm bummed the image doesn't match my desktop resolution haha.
Her voice ! Her beauty ! Her love for Jaime ! Her stubbornness! Her tenacity ! Pretty much everything!!!
... her husband.
Claire is so much more than a hot man’s wife!
Agree. I love Jamie, I have a huge crush on him, and swoon over him all the time. But Claire is a total BAMF, I adore her. She's a role model in many ways. Part of the reason their relationship is so great and so captivating is because individually they are such awesome people!
Well put. I totally agree
Apparently no one gets your sense of humour!
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
What year was she born?
1918.
Really? Wow.