Miss Clarissa is the daughter of second-generation German immigrants. Her father, a doctor, moved his family to San Francisco after the civil war to open a clinic and to find a good match for his daughter. Miss Clarisa found herself depending on Mr. Delaney's generosity after her father went bankrupt due to gambling debts.

She was bound to an earthenwork vessel by Lady Gallorett in a scheme to remove Mr. Delaney.