how was clarrise such a huge part even when she died in the begining of the book?

Clarisse is a wide-eyed 17 year old girl to whom Montag is drawn. Clarisse is interested in parts of the world Montag doesn't understand, such as watching people, looking at the moon, and smelling the leaves. Clarisse has no taste for the advanced technology her society has come to depend on, and thus represents the antithesis of Millie, Montag's wife. Montag admires Clarisse for her curiosity and awareness of the world around her, and is disturbed by her accurate understanding of his empty, loveless life. Thus, Clarisse is the first to encourage Montag on his path to self-awareness. Soon after she and Montag develop a friendship, Clarisse is killed by a speeding car. Her death represents the intolerance of an overbearing, dehumanized society for those who do not conform.