How Does Nora Change Throughout The Play

Throughout the play, an important cause of Nora’s change of thought was characterization. One example are the social roles of her time. How each character would like to be perceived and the image that society gives them, is one of the strongest forms of characterization. Torvald was the controlling husband and Nora was supposed to be the obedient wife. Nora did not enjoy these roles, which contributed to her change. In the play Torvald says “Of course, you will continue to live here. But the children cannot be left in your care. I dare not trust them to you” (Ibsen 40). Torvald was so obsessed with these social images, that he was willing to fake a relationship just so his image would not be ruined. This would anger Nora to the point of separation, as she did not want to put in the same amount of effort to please others and society.

Each character of the play does something to invoke the change of attitude of Nora. For example Nora says to Torvald, “I shouldn't think of doing what you disapprove of” (Ibsen 3), and he replies “No, I'm sure of that; and, besides, you've given me your word” (Ibsen 3). Actions from certain characters makes Nora realize what type of people they are, which lead her to her dynamic characterization. Similar to Actions and Social Roles, the characters intentions reveals to us what type of person they are. In the play, Torvald says “And I don't wish you anything but just what you are- my own, sweet little song-bird” (Ibsen 3). It always seemed that Torvald loved Nora as a possession not as a companion as he even says “She becomes his property in a double sense.” (Ibsen 41). Nora starts to realize his intentions and expresses to Torvald, “You have never loved me. You only thought it amusing to be in love with me” (Ibsen 42). Similar to intentions, the way that the characters reacted to certain events also revealed their personality type. Again, one particular example is her