KROGSTAD
Family: None
Status: Works for Helmer at the bank, substantially below him in the hierarchy, but is being fired, he
wants to be promoted
Relationships Context: used to be in a relationship with Mrs. Linde, has loaned the money to Nora, knew
Helmer in their ‘school days’
Protagonist or antagonist? Krogstad, like Mrs. Linde, is a curious character, the audience are not sure
whether to sympathize or despise Krogstad, he serves many roles within the play. Initially, Ibsen uses
Krogstad as the stereotypical villain, mysterious and ominous in his entrance into the play and his first
interaction with Nora. Though we may not be routing for Nora with her first scenes, she is the central
character, and this figure poses danger for both her and the audience. Nora’s startled, “Oh! (Puts it
(visiting card) quickly in her pocket)” and reaction to his arrival is demonstrative of his villainous picture,
“it’s happening. It’s happening after all. No, no, no, it can’t happen, it mustn’t happen.” This dread from
Nora, whom up to this point has been presented as overwhelmingly confident is subdued to fear because
of a mysterious man dressed in an “overcoat, heavy boots and a fur cap” - even his physical appearance is
somewhat intimidating. Comparatively though, Krogstad has experienced hardships and wants to provide
for his children which makes his intent far more sympathetic to the audience, and Nora’s exploitation of
the law was perhaps selfish regarding how Krogstad has turned out in consequence. As well as this,
without Krogstad, Nora’s leaving Helmer and her wanting independence would not have happened. A
villain to begin with, but he is the catalyst for the change and the ending that is the play’s pinnacle.
Quotations:
“(changes his tone). Mrs. Helmer, will you have the kindness to use your influence on my
behalf?” - villainous, vindictive with Nora, bitter relationship, dismissive of difficulty, desperate
for what he wants, aware that he can assert his ‘authority’.
“Oh, I've known your husband since we were students together. I imagine he has his weakness
like other married men.” Ibsen uses Krogstad to convey his views, men of the 19th Century
become attached to the façade and their reputation, this is intuitive of Helmer in the ending – he is
a child, not wanting to let go of his doll (Nora).
“My sons are growing up: for their sake, I must try to regain what respectability I can. This job in
the bank was the first step on the ladder. And now your husband wants to kick me off that ladder
back into the dirt.” - audience sympathizes, Krogstad is justified in his actions. Hierarchal society
Ibsen presents here, abuse of power in positions of authority (Helmer).
“I asked you whether it was merely domestic unpleasantness you were afraid of.” - Krogstad is
the catalyst, breaks Nora’s domestic sphere, exposes that this is all she fears. The charade will be
broken.
“It’s the old story, isn’t it – a woman chucking a man because something better turns up?” -
Krogstad refers to financial gain as ‘better’, however, this is ironic and foreshadows Nora’s
actions, yet the ‘better’ is a gain in education and sense of self.
