A Doll’s House : Characters

Characters

Major Characters

• Nora Helmer: The heroine of the play. Wife of Torvald Helmer and mother of three children. At the beginning, she appears as a happy, simple, childlike, and “doll-like” wife. But at the end of the play, Nora leaves her family in search of independence and self-identity. Her character symbolizes women’s self-liberation, rebellion, and self-awareness.
• Torvald Helmer: Nora’s husband. A bank manager, self-centered and authoritarian. Though he loves Nora, he does not see her as an equal human being, but rather as a “doll” or “plaything.” His character represents the patriarchal social system and the hypocrisy within married life.
• Krogstad: A lawyer employed at Torvald’s bank. Once, his reputation was ruined because of forgery. He threatens to expose Nora’s secret loan and forged signature. His character symbolizes the harshness of law, revenge, and later transformation.
• Mrs. Linde (Christine Linde): Nora’s old school friend and Krogstad’s former lover. After her husband’s death, she lived a hard life. She comes hoping for a job at Torvald’s bank and eventually rekindles her relationship with Krogstad. Her character symbolizes self-reliance, sacrifice, and a realistic approach to life.
• Dr. Rank: A close friend of the Helmer family. He suffers from a terminal illness (tuberculosis of the spine). He secretly loves Nora, but his love is never openly acknowledged. His character symbolizes life’s sorrow, hidden suffering, and silent self-sacrifice.

Minor Characters

• The Helmer Children: Nora and Torvald’s three young children. Although their presence is brief in the play, they highlight Nora’s role as a mother and the limitations of women centered around family.
• The Nurse (Anne-Marie): The caretaker of Nora’s children. Once, she had to give up her own child to take this job. Her character symbolizes women’s sacrifice and financial dependence.
• The Maid: A housemaid working in the Helmer household. Though her role is small, she reflects the comfortable lifestyle of the Helmer family.
• The Porter: The porter who appears at the beginning of the play, carrying Christmas items. His brief role helps establish the domestic and social environment of the play.

Family and Relationships

• The Helmer Family: The central unit of the play, consisting of Nora, Torvald, and their three children. Their seemingly happy household is actually fragile, like a “doll’s house,” where authority and social hypocrisy prevail instead of genuine love in their marital relationship.