It was inevitable that another Outlander post crops up this week. It just happens to be my topic of interest this week. Not like I am busting out of my seat with excitement or anything. I also figured it was time for the leading sassenach to get some attention. She is very crushworthy for many reasons. She is definitely the equal of the book’s hero.
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Stats:
Full name: Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser
Age: 27 in book one
Occupation: Nurse, Healer, Doctor
Who is She?
Claire is the main female protagonist in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. She is one of the main narrators in all eight books. She’s just trying to enjoy her honeymoon after WWII when she steps through some standing stones, ending up in 1943. She must then try to get back home, navigate through a new time period, and deal with feelings for Jamie Fraser and her husband Frank. She is being played by the perfectly cast Caitriona Balfe in the Starz series.
Fun Facts:
- Claire’s eyes have been compared from anything to whiskey to a leopard’s.
- Claire grew up in archaeological dig sites around the world.
- Claire’s catchphrase is “Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!”
- Claire marries Jamie at the same church she married Frank — give or take two hundred years.
- A Native American healer told Claire she would come into her full power when her hair was fully gray.
Why So Crushworthy?
I am not sure what I would do if I were transported 200 years back in the past. I probably would not have handled it as well as Claire does. After the initial shock passes, she’s able to assimilate into the 18th century Highland world. Her skills as a nurse help her pass for a healer of the time. Claire is a very independent woman. She would shock people in her own time with her outspoken ways. Claire is able to stand alone and be just fine. Claire knows exactly who she is. Frank comments that it’s rare for someone to know exactly what they are meant to do. Claire resembles the tool of her trade, the scalpel. She is sharp, bright, and has a purity of purpose.
Claire is highly adaptable to the whims of fate. Her upbringing was atypical so she doesn’t mind traveling or what we would call primitive conditions. She isn’t too shocked by kings, evil comtes, and witnessing great historical events. The only thing she misses is hot baths and modern antibiotics. Claire can get used to anything — well, except being without Jamie, as it turns out. Jamie brings out Claire’s strengths while making her feel safe enough to show her vulnerability. She is one tough lady. She even fights a wolf with her bare hands. Claire is a great role model, too. She breaks social norms, loves with her whole heart, and isn’t afraid of adventure. She is a fictional character that can teach us a lot about life and love.
