Character Profile

 Nora Helmer

Introduction to Nora Helmer and her involvement in the play

Nora Helmer is the main character and protagonist, who has been overpowered by male figures the entirety of her life and begins to grow with frustration and contemplates the foundation of everything she once loved so dearly (her marriage). After sacrificing her safety in the selfless act of borrowing money to attempt to heal her husband, the man who she blossomed this deal with named Nils Krogstad, the antagonist who has been wronged by society, becomes aware that Nora forged her father’s signature so the trip to Italy could go ahead. Due to these harsh yet truthful allegations, Nora is taunted throughout the play that her crime will be exposed unless she can successfully convince her stubborn husband not to fire Krogstad. Consequently, of this, Nora takes on the role of a childish, greedy character who’s love for money is all consuming at the beginning of the play even though it’s her attempt to scavenge money so that her family won’t be affected by her absence, this causes the audience to eventually put the pieces together and pierce the veil of her false façade.

Nora's character development in the play

Throughout the entirety of the play Nora is described as a 'songbird' by Torvald (her husband) which displays how sees her as pure and beautiful. This conveys societal expectations in marriage in 1879, in addition to Torvald only seeing Nora for her beauty and not her mind. We see Nora's gradual growth in confidence and her ability to defend herself. Towards the end of the play, we are shown a reborn Nora who isn’t going to be burdened by her tiresome marriage and overwhelming pressures of motherhood.  

Context of the play in 1879

Nora's storyline in 'A Dolls House' was practically unheard of in the era it was set as it defied all female stereotypes and emphasized that a woman is still important even if she lacked children and a husband. In addition to that, it very slowly started to be normalized that it was equally okay if you’re much happier alone without having to constantly prove your worth with the unbearable pressures of society and things that you never desired. Nora's character is notable for its impact on female independence and even if it wasn't appreciated at the time it definitely is now.

Appearance

Nora will be wearing luxurious, glamourous clothing yet still practical to attend to her children. She is between the ages of 25-35 which means she still looks youthful and dresses like a woman would at her age but more respectable due to the time at which the play is based. Linking back to her responsibility as a mother she would most likely wear her hair up to ensure it doesn't get in the way. Seeing as Torvald perceives her as a 'doll' it suggests that lots of the qualities of her appearance were altered by him.