Clara “The Crimson Comet” Finch
Clara Finch, better known by her stage name “The Crimson Comet,” had spent twelve years as one of the circus's premier trapeze artists. Dressed in a dazzling crimson-and-gold costume, she would launch herself high above the ring, spinning, flipping, and flying from trapeze to trapeze with breathtaking precision. The audience once came specifically to see her. Then Dumbo learned to fly. Suddenly, Clara's carefully rehearsed aerial performances seemed ordinary. Why watch a woman perform spectacular tricks on a trapeze when an elephant could simply fly around the entire circus tent? Her act was shortened, then moved to less popular shows, and eventually removed altogether.
Clara developed a deep hatred for Dumbo, convinced the little elephant had stolen everything she had worked for. She especially blamed Timothy Mouse, believing he was the one encouraging Dumbo and helping make the flying act possible. Determined to get her career back, Clara began setting mouse traps around the circus, hoping to catch Timothy and eliminate Dumbo's little advisor. Unfortunately, Timothy was far too clever. Every trap Clara placed mysteriously ended up empty, while she occasionally discovered one of them sitting outside her dressing room with a tiny piece of cheese placed neatly on top. The Crimson Comet had gone from being the circus's greatest aerial star to the world's most frustrated mouse-trapper.