A Doll House characters

Appears from the start

Torvald's lively wife and the mother of three children. She appears carefree and indulged, but has quietly managed a serious financial burden: years earlier she borrowed money to fund the journey that restored her husband's health. She has concealed both the loan and the work she does to repay it because Torvald condemns debt and assumes she is incapable of handling business matters.

Appears from the start

Nora's husband, recently appointed manager of a bank. He speaks to her with affectionate condescension, closely controls household spending, and values respectability and conventional marital roles. His promotion promises the family greater comfort and gives him authority over employees including Nils Krogstad.

Also known as Mrs Linde

Appears from the start

An old school friend of Nora's who has been widowed and left without money or dependants. Years of supporting her mother and younger brothers have made her practical and direct. She comes to town seeking employment and renewed purpose, prompting Nora to confide the secret behind the Helmers' earlier trip abroad.

Appears from the start

A bank employee and moneylender whose reputation has been damaged by an earlier act of forgery. He supplied Nora's secret loan and knows that she forged her father's signature on the bond. When Torvald prepares to dismiss him, Krogstad uses that knowledge to pressure Nora into protecting his position.

Also known as Dr Rank

Appears from the start

A close family friend and regular visitor to the Helmers. A physician from a wealthy background, he is intelligent, dryly observant, and seriously ill. He is more candid with Nora than Torvald is and treats her as a companion rather than a child.

First appears in chapter 2

The nurse who cared for Nora in childhood and now looks after the Helmer children. She gave up raising her own daughter in order to take paid domestic work and remains a steady maternal presence in Nora's life.

Appears from the start

The Helmers' maid, who admits visitors, brings correspondence, and helps Nora with preparations for the costume party.