A Doll's House: Character Profiles
Character Profiles: A Doll’s House
Nora Helmer
- Main character in the play, she is Torvald Helmer's wife and a mother of three.
- Initially portrayed as childlike, naive, and docile.
- Throughout the play, she reveals a hidden strength and intelligence.
- Secretly borrowed money to save her husband's life, signifying her capability and independence.
- By the play’s end, she leaves her husband and children reflecting drastic changes and self-realisation.
- Represents a feminist icon due to her challenging societal norms regarding women's roles.
Torvald Helmer
- Nora's husband and a bank manager.
- Often treats Nora as if she were an object or childish possession instead of an equal partner.
- Proves himself to be narrow-minded and judgmental when he learns about Nora's secret loan.
- His primary concern is with reputation and his perception among society.
- His hypocrisy and inability to empathise lead to the breakdown of his marriage.
Christine Linde
- An old friend of Nora's.
- Unlike Nora, Christine is a widow and was in a loveless marriage for financial security.
- Christine represents the harsh reality of life and societal expectations put on women.
- She is resourceful and independent, eventually helps Nora realise her true self-worth.
- Ends up in a relationship with Krogstad, indicating her pragmatic view of love and marriage.
Nils Krogstad
- Works at the bank where Torvald is manager, he is also the man from whom Nora borrowed money.
- Portrayed as the 'villain' early in the play, but later revealed to be a man struggling to rebuild his life after a mistake in the past.
- His letter revealing Nora's secret sparks off the climax of the play.
- Despite his initial threats, he is capable of empathy and compassion, as evidenced by his relationship with Christine.
Dr. Rank
- A close friend to Nora and Torvald.
- Suffering from a terminal illness, consumption, which symbolises the moral sickness in Nora's domestic life.
- He is in love with Nora, though she sees him as a friend only.
- His character serves as a foil to Torvald, demonstrating a more empathetic and genuine friendship towards Nora.