The plot in six lines
On Christmas Eve, Nora enjoys Torvald's promotion and their brighter financial prospects, while his rules and her small lies reveal an unequal marriage.
When Kristine Linde arrives looking for work, Nora reveals that she secretly borrowed money to pay for a stay in the south during Torvald's illness.
Nils Krogstad, who lent Nora the money, threatens to expose her unlawful borrowing if Torvald dismisses him from the bank.
Torvald refuses Nora's pleas to keep Krogstad, and she delays his reading of Krogstad's letter by asking for help practising the tarantella.
After reading the letter, Torvald blames Nora and fears for his reputation, but when the danger passes, he forgives her and expects their life to continue unchanged.
Recognising that they have never spoken as equals, Nora leaves her keys and ring and walks out on her husband and children as the door closes.
Themes
Marriage and power: Torvald's control over money, food and behaviour exposes the unequal roles beneath the Helmers' apparently affectionate marriage.
Money and law: Nora's secret borrowing shows how legal limits on married women bring love and loyalty into conflict with the law.
Appearance and reality: The cheerful household, holiday decorations and Nora's playful behaviour conceal debt, fear and a marriage without equality.
Duty and reputation: Torvald's concern for his good name contrasts with Nora's belief that her secret action protects her family.
Independent thought: Nora comes to question the beliefs her father and husband have given her rather than continuing to accept their authority.
Characters
- Nora HelmerA lively, affectionate wife and mother who plays the child at home while carrying a secret she believes will protect her family.
- Torvald HelmerNora's husband, a lawyer newly made manager of a bank, proud of his good name and sure that he knows what is best.
- Kristine LindeNora's old school friend, a widow worn down by years of work, who comes to town looking for a job and a fresh start.
- Nils KrogstadA bank clerk with a damaged reputation who is desperate to keep his post and holds a claim over Nora.
- Dr. RankThe Helmers' close friend and family doctor, witty and melancholy, who visits daily and is seriously ill.
- Anne-MarieThe Helmer children's nurse, who once raised Nora herself and now looks after the family's young ones.
For the A level English Literature exams, summer 2027
- The summer 2027 A level exams run from 10 May to 22 June 2027.
- AQA (Literature B): Paper 2 (7717/2), Elements of political and social protest writing, Thursday 20 May 2027, morning, 3 hours.
- OCR: Paper 1 (H472/01), Section 2 (drama and poetry before 1900), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning, 2 hours 30 minutes.
A two-week plan
- Day oneRead the 15-minute summary of A Doll's House from start to finish, then tell the story back to yourself in five sentences.
- Days two to threeA cheerful home with small cracks: Notice how pet names, forbidden sweets and the allowance establish who holds authority in the marriage.
- Day fourAn old friend arrives with hard news: Watch how Kristine's experience challenges Nora's self image and prompts her to reveal a hidden achievement.
- Day fiveA secret loan and a threatening visitor: Follow how an act of love becomes a threat through debt, secrecy and the law.
- Day sixTorvald holds firm as pressure builds: Notice how Nora turns a household entertainment into a way of postponing exposure.
- Day sevenWhat the play says about marriage and roles: Consider how accepted ideas of marriage and duty allow unequal treatment to appear affectionate.
- Day eightHow Ibsen builds a room into a drama: Watch how ordinary objects and cheerful decorations carry threats beneath the room's comfortable appearance.
- Day nineThe cast: Nora Helmer, Torvald Helmer, Kristine Linde, Nils Krogstad and Dr. Rank. Write one line on what each of them wants.
- Day tenThemes: Marriage and power; Money and law; Appearance and reality; Duty and reputation; Independent thought. Pick one moment in the story for each.
- Day elevenForm: study how the play is built: its scenes, its speeches and its turning points.
- Day twelvePractice: plan and write an essay on one theme, then read your argument back and test it against the story.
- Day thirteenPractice: try a second question with a different focus, such as a character or the form.
- Day fourteenRecap: reread your notes and the summary, say the plot out loud once, then rest.
From the boards' published specifications and final summer 2027 timetables, read on 23 October 2026. Ask your school which board and papers you sit.
Questions
What is A Doll's House about?
A Doll's House is about Nora Helmer's secret borrowing and the threat that exposes the inequality within her marriage. Her attempt to protect her husband raises questions about trust, duty and the right to think independently.
Who are the main characters in A Doll's House?
The main characters are Nora Helmer, her husband Torvald Helmer, her friend Kristine Linde and the bank clerk Nils Krogstad. Nora's hidden debt connects their lives and puts Torvald's beliefs about marriage and reputation under pressure.
What are the main themes of A Doll's House?
The main themes are unequal marriage, money, duty, reputation and independent thought. The contrast between the cheerful home and its hidden tensions also develops the theme of appearance and reality.
Is A Doll's House a set text for A level English Literature?
Yes. AQA (Literature B) lists it in Paper 2 (7717/2), Elements of political and social protest writing. OCR lists it in Paper 1 (H472/01), Section 2 (drama and poetry before 1900).
When are the A level English Literature exams in 2027?
The summer 2027 A level exams run from 10 May to 22 June 2027. AQA (Literature B): Paper 2 (7717/2), Thursday 20 May 2027, morning. OCR: Paper 1 (H472/01), Thursday 13 May 2027, morning.
