Clara Dawes is a fictional character from the novel "The Return of the Soldier," written by Rebecca West in 1918. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman, navigating the complexities of love and loss during World War I. Clara is the wife of Chris Baldry, a soldier who returns home suffering from amnesia, leading to a dramatic exploration of relationships and memory. In the story, Clara's character embodies the struggles faced by women during the war, as they took on new roles while their husbands were away. Her interactions with Jenny, Chris's former love, highlight themes of jealousy, loyalty, and the impact of war on personal lives.