Who Torvald Helmer is
Torvald Helmer is a lawyer whose promotion promises to ease his family's worries about money. At home, he appears charming and affectionate, but he treats Nora as someone who needs his guidance. His confidence in his own decency makes it hard for him to hear her concerns.
What Torvald Helmer wants
Torvald values honour and reputation, and he speaks of debt as something that poisons a home. He plans to dismiss Nils Krogstad, a bank clerk whose damaged reputation he distrusts. When Nora asks him to reconsider, he refuses and objects to Krogstad's familiar way of addressing him.
Torvald Helmer and the others in the story
Torvald loves Nora as a pleasing, dependent companion rather than treating her as an equal partner. He controls her allowance, forbids sweets, chooses her costume and corrects the way she speaks. Nora responds with charm and coaxing, while hiding the loan she takes out for his health.
Questions
Who is Torvald Helmer?
Torvald Helmer is Nora's husband, a lawyer who is about to take charge of a bank.
Does Torvald know about Nora's loan?
No, Nora keeps the loan secret from him and says the money comes from her father.
Is Torvald Helmer a villain?
The play does not present Torvald simply as a villain. His affection exists alongside pride and controlling habits that leave little room for Nora's judgment.