Claire Young

"You missed the party. Princess theme. She made me wear a crown, and then Emily suggested they all try out her new play makeup on me."

Claire Young is the niece of Emily Young, the cousin of Seth and Leah Clearwater, and was imprinted upon by Quil in Eclipse.

History
In Eclipse, Claire was imprinted upon by Quil when she was two years old. The explanation of "imprinting" in Eclipse ensures that Quil only wants what is best for Claire, and that he has absolutely no romantic feelings for her. Later in life, he will be like an older brother, and then when she is old enough, if Quil is what she wants, then they will form a romantic attachment. Claire has a brief appearance in Breaking Dawn with Quil. It is obvious that she and Quil enjoy each other's company.

Plot importance
The character of Claire and the controversy of Quil imprinting on her acts as foreshadowing to Jacob imprinting on Renesmee, the child of Bella and Edward Cullen, during the events of Breaking Dawn. Previous imprinting had been with individuals of roughly the same age as the given shapeshifter and have been seen as a lover, so Quil imprinting on Claire is used to explain how it is the shapeshifters responsibility to be whatever their imprintee needs. that is, as they grow up the shape-shifter can go through stages of friend, confidant, and so forth until the imprintee has matured to the same age as the shapeshifter.

Etymology
"Claire" is a French form of Clara. Feminine form of the Late Latin name Clarus which meant "clear, bright, famous".

Appearances

 * Eclipse (mentioned only)
 * Breaking Dawn (first appearance)