David Clarke (James Tupper)David Clarke (James Tupper) is the father of Emily Thorne (real name Amanda Clarke). He was married to Kara Wallace and a hedge fund executive at Grayson Global. When Emily was a little girl, David was accused of crashing flight 197 in an act of terrorism. David did not commit this crime and was framed by Conrad and Victoria Grayson and others he worked with and trusted. David was killed while serving time in prison.David was one of the first investors in Nolan Ross' corporation NolCorp and was able to leave his daughter a substantial amount of money when he died. Emily uses this money to fund her elaborate revenge upon those who ruined her father's life. .