Who Nora Helmer is
Nora Helmer shares a seemingly happy home with her husband Torvald and their children. She enjoys his praise and answers his teasing with laughter, while he controls her allowance and forbids sweets. Her playful manner conceals the quiet work and saving that help her repay a secret debt.
What Nora Helmer wants
Nora wants to protect Torvald, whose serious illness leads her to borrow money for a stay in the south. She tells him the money comes from her father and keeps the loan hidden. When Nils Krogstad threatens to expose her, she tries to persuade Torvald to keep him at the bank.
Nora Helmer and the others in the story
Torvald loves Nora, but treats her as someone dependent who needs his guidance rather than an equal partner. Her old school friend Kristine Linde initially sees her as childish, prompting Nora to reveal her hidden responsibility. As pressure grows, Nora's familiar charm cannot make Torvald take her pleading seriously.
Questions
What secret does Nora Helmer keep?
Nora secretly borrows money to help restore Torvald's health and repays it through savings and copying work.
How is Nora connected to Nils Krogstad?
Krogstad is her lender, and he threatens to reveal her secret if he loses his bank job.
Why does Nora act like a child?
Nora has learned that playing a childish, charming role helps her get what she wants from Torvald.