Tara Burgess is a character in The Night Circus. She, along with her sister, Lainie Burgess, is a atmosphere specialist for The Night Circus.
History[]
She is a former librarian who will only talk about her past if heavily intoxicated. Tara and her sister are amongst the original "conspirators" for the circus, invited to help with the circus' inception by Chandresh Christophe Lefevre. Tara and Lainie were invited to help as they have a keen eye for "small details" - from the music to the texture of the entrance curtains. Chandresh also remarks that they are also "brilliant with atmosphere".
As the story progresses, Tara becomes somewhat aware of the enchantments placed on the circus, and she becomes more withdrawn and suspicious. As she attempts to find answers, Tara is killed during her search by inadvertently stepping in front of a train - her death is the first sign of the cracks in the circus' foundations. It is also possible that Alexander, the man in the grey suit, holds some of the responsibility for her death. He appears to have modified her memory, making her distracted.
Description[]
Like her sister, Tara is described as having wavy chestnut hair and large bright hazel eyes, which make the sisters appear younger than they actually are. However, their age is never revealed, and they never mention which of the sisters is older. It is also suggested that the sisters are Scottish with heavy accents, but it is never verified within the story.