Character Analysis
Dr. Wintermute is the kind of man who keeps his feelings under wrap—especially when it comes to his family. He's dealt with the death of four of his children, and now his wife is pretty much hysterical and withdrawn into her grief all of the time. Because of this, Dr. Wintermute is often out of the house and hates to come home to the sadness that permeates the entire home:
When he arrived home, his wife was still distraught and his solitary dinner was overcooked. As he sat with his book before the fire, the last thing Dr. Wintermute wanted was to be assigned a new duty by his daughter's governess. (6.2)
Clara often believes that Dr. Wintermute doesn't love her as much as her siblings who died because he doesn't really show her any affection. The thing is, Dr. Wintermute himself doesn't realize how little love he gives to Clara until she disappears—and then, he immediately regrets how he's held her at arm's length:
Had she known that in his heart, she must always be second to Charles Augustus? It had been true, but was true no longer. If she came back to him, he would find a way to tell her so; he would clasp her tightly and tell her over and over how much he loved her. (12.12)
When faced with the loss of his only remaining daughter, Dr. Wintermute realizes that he can no longer go through life emotionally removed from his family. He has to show them that he loves them, and he vows that as soon as Clara comes home, he'll show her just how much he loves and cherishes her.