Claire

WHEN LAST WE SAW HER Claire broke up with art-school boyfriend Russell after finding out he slept with their male teacher; learned she was pregnant with Russell's child and got an abortion without cluing him in.

WHAT'S NEXT Mena Suvari (''American Beauty'') has signed on to play Edie, a gay performance artist who goes to school with Claire. Their friendship might blossom into something more. ''I keep reading articles that Claire's exploring her sexuality, but I have a hard time saying that out loud,'' jokes Ambrose. ''But Mena's character is very inspiring to Claire, and that can be confusing sometimes.''

IF WE WERE IN CHARGE... Edie would give Claire the guts to keep Russell out of the picture.

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