Claude Martha, known as Tante Martha, is the paternal great-aunt of Annette and Dani Burnier and aunt to Pierre Burnier. She initially lives in a separate village with her own children before moving into the Burnier household after Pierre's wife dies during Dani's birth. She takes on childcare and domestic duties, becoming both a maternal figure and a stabilizing presence.

She combines rationality with emotional wisdom, consistently acting as the family's voice of reason. Recognizing Lucien Morel did not intend to cause Dani's life-altering accident, she gently questions Annette's prolonged resentment. She advocates for reconciliation, understanding the mutual pain caused by the ongoing feud, always approaching conflicts with patience and empathy.

A key moment showcases her compassion: when Annette confesses to destroying Lucien's intricately carved wooden horse, Tante Martha responds with understanding rather than reprimand. She acknowledges Annette's remorse and inner conflict, reinforcing her role as a trusted confidante.

Her influence extends beyond household management to essential moral guidance. She helps Annette navigate complex emotions like guilt and anger, offering insights into human fallibility and the importance of forgiveness. This directly supports Annette's eventual reconciliation with Lucien and her emotional growth. She also engages Dani, sharing stories such as Noah's Ark, which later gains symbolic significance in repairing Annette and Lucien's relationship.

Throughout, she remains a nurturing and perceptive figure, embodying themes of empathy and the healing power of intergenerational wisdom within the family.