Character Analysis In A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen there is a controversial argument about whether or not Nora Helmer the main character is a hero or not. Throughout the play Nora carries out certain acts of behavior that wouldn’t be considered heroic on the surface but underneath they would. Throughout the play Nora is treated like Torvald’s pet or property not his wife, he looks at her as nothing more than a belonging. Nora is the “doll” wife of Torvald meaning she is just playing a roll and has no say. Little does he know she is actually caring, independent, and brave not just a pet. In the first act when the audience is first introduced to Nora you get the illusion that she is a perfect wife and the only problem she has is spending her husband’s money by shopping a lot. By giving the image of her being a perfect wife it is comparing her to a doll, because dolls have no flaws. As Nora and Torvalds dialogue proceeds you get the sense that Nora is viewed as a pet to Torvald. He calls her pet names such as “his little lark”, “squirrel”, “spendthrift”, and “sweet tooth” (Ibsen 1281-1283). In Torvalds eyes Nora is not viewed as his equal but his property. By Torvald talking to Nora like this he is degrading her. Also in the first act it is revealed that Nora has made some arrangements to keep the household afloat without informing Torvald. Nora lied to her husband not because she wanted to but because she had too. Torvald is a typical man of the 1800th century. Men during those days took pride in being the stronghold and ruler of their households. It was also extremely rare for women to be independent or contributing financially. In Nora hiding the fact that she forged her father’s signature for a loan in a way saved Torvald from feeling emasculated. Nora justifies her dishonesty towards Torvald by saving his health and pride therefore caring about his