Clarisse McClellan is an anachronism in the society of Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 who disturbs the complacency of Guy Montag, causing him to question certain aspects of his life.
Prior to his encounter with Clarisse, Montag considers burning "a pleasure." But, one night as he turns the corner, Montag spots a girl who moves her head in such a way as to express
...a kind of gentle hunger that touched over everything with tireless curiosity.
With her eyes "fixed to the world," Clarisse nearly collides with Montag. She introduces herself as a new neighbor, and she asks if Montag will accompany her home. As they walk along, Clarisse informs Montag that she enjoys smelling things and examining them; in fact, she tells him that she sometimes stays up all night, walking, and finally, watching the sun rise.
With candor, Clarisse asks Montag if he ever reads any of the books that he burns. But, Montag laughs, replying, "That's against the law!" Clarisse merely returns, "Oh. Of course." When Montag chuckles, she quickly inquires, "Why are you laughing?" and Montag tells her that he does not know, adding "You are an odd one.....Haven't you any respect?" Clarisse counters with the observation that Montag does not stop to think about what she has asked, while she, on the other hand, ponders many things. As she runs off, Clarisse asks Montag if he is happy.
Shaken by this encounter, Montag sees the face of Clarisse upon his wall as he enters his house: "How like a mirror, too, her face." But, when he goes into the bedroom, Montag discovers his wife, who is unconscious with only the sounds of the singing in the "thimble -wasps in her "tamped-shut" ears. He quickly calls for help, but none comes. Finally, he get an emergency squad to ave Mildred. This encounter with death and his previous meeting of Clarisse, affect Montag deeply. Unfortunately, not long after this meeting, Clarisse has disappeared.
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