Claire Fraser is the central character, first-person narrator, and driving force of 's epic. Spanning decades, Outlander combines romance, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and adventure. The series currently includes short stories, spin-off series, graphic novels, and three novellas, in addition to nine novels—the most recent of which is set to release in November 2021. These best-selling novels have also been adapted into a much-loved Starz's television series. As ambitious and enormous as the world of Outlander is, it’s the characters and their relationships that make the story so compelling. At its heart is the love shared between Claire and Jamie, two people who ultimately would not let time or distance—even hundreds of years—keep them apart.
Who is Claire Fraser?
Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser was born in London, England, on October 20, 1918, and baptized Catholic. Her parents, Julia and Henry Beauchamp, died in a car accident when she was only five, leaving her to be raised by her uncle. An archaeologist and historian whose work took him all over the globe, Quentin Lambert Beauchamp had planned to enroll his niece at a boarding school—but Claire refused. Instead, she traveled the world with her uncle, embracing a life of exploration and adventure at a young age.
Claire met her first husband, Frank Randall, when he came to consult her uncle about a philosophical matter. The two were soon married and honeymooned in the Scottish Highlands. When WWII hit Europe, Claire gave up her nomadic explorer's lifestyle and dedicated herself to the war efforts. She became a combat nurse and rarely saw her husband—who was working as an MI6 officer—for the duration of the war.
When the war came to an end, Claire and Frank decided to go back to the Scottish Highlands for a second honeymoon to reconnect after being apart for so long. But when Claire visits an ancient stone circle called Craigh na Dun, something very strange happens—suddenly, she finds herself traveling back in time.
How is Claire Fraser described in the books?
Claire is five foot six inches tall with curly light brown hair, golden-brown eyes, and fair skin. Her hair is one of her defining features, and it's often described as wild and difficult to hold back—much like her headstrong character. Claire's unusual upbringing makes her much more independent than most women of her era, and upon her arrival in the 18th century, she stands out for her toughness and outspoken nature. As a nurse, Claire is able to take charge and stay calm in stressful situations. Also stubborn, she often questions orders from others that she doesn't agree with or understand.
