Maria Clara is a fictional character from the novel "Noli Me Tangere," written by Philippine national hero José Rizal. She represents the ideal Filipina woman during the Spanish colonial period, embodying beauty, grace, and virtue. Maria Clara is the love interest of the protagonist, Crisostomo Ibarra, and her character reflects the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. In the story, Maria Clara is the daughter of Capitan Tiago and is often seen as a symbol of the Filipino people's suffering under colonial rule. Her character highlights themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for identity, making her an essential figure in Philippine literature and history.