Act One: Introduction to the Characters and Encounters

• The play opens on Christmas Eve with Nora Helmer, the main character, buying presents in excitement for the holidays. Her child-like enthusiasm is depicted through her conversation with her husband, Torvald Helmer.
• Nora’s conversation with her old friend, Mrs. Christine Linde, reveals a secret: Nora owes large sums of money, and she's been secretly working to repay it. Mrs. Linde, widowed and struggling, comes seeking help.
• Nils Krogstad, an employee at Torvald's bank, confronts Nora about the loan she took from him, revealing the darker side of Nora’s ‘doll life’. Krogstad holds power over Nora as his job at the bank, secured by her husband, is under threat.

Act Two: Rising Tension and Desperation

• As preparation for the Christmas party goes on, Nora’s anxiety about Krogstad’s intentions increases. She pleads with Torvald not to fire Krogstad but in vain.
• Nora tries to use Dr. Rank’s affection for her to get help. However, learning about his impending death, she decides not to.
• Torvald fires Krogstad, who in spite sends a letter revealing Nora’s secret to Torvald. Nora, in desperation, contemplates suicide.

Act Three: Revelation and Resolution

• The party ends, leaving Nora and Torvald alone. On seeing Dr. Rank’s black cross, they understand the gravity of his illness.
• Mrs. Linde and Krogstad, who were lovers in the past, come to a mutual understanding and decide to start anew together.
• Torvald reads Krogstad’s letter, and enraged, accuses Nora of ruining his life.
• Just as Nora sees her doll-like existence in its true form, the letter retracting the accusations arrives, and Torvald is joyous.
• Nora announces her decision to leave Torvald, their children and their doll house. The play ends with Torvald left alone in disbelief.

Epilogue: The Sound of the Door

• Ibsen’s audiences were left horrified by the ending and subsequent discussions led to second thoughts about societal norms and the roles of women. This is symbolised in the play by the sound of the door closing as Nora leaves, marking not only the end of her doll life but also hinting at the potential beginning of societal change.