Consider the character of Torvald Helmer, is Torval an antagonist? A misogynist? Or could Torvald be just as much a victim of nineteenth century societal norms as Nora?

Torvald Helmer, at the beginning of the play, has been promoted to manager of the bank. Torvald has built his middle-class living through his own work and not from family money. Focused on business, Torvald spends a great deal of his time at home in his study, avoiding general visitors and interacting very little with his children. In fact, he sees himself primarily as responsible for the financial welfare of his family and as a guardian for his wife. Torvald is particularly concerned with morality. He also can come across as stiff and unsympathetic. Still, the last act of the play makes very clear that he dearly loves his wife. The fact that he does love Nora lends some credebility to the idea that he is very much a product of his times.