Role of Minor Characters Within ‘a Doll House’ Essay

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Role of Minor Characters within ‘A Doll House’

The role of minor characters in a play is generally to assist or influence the central characters. In Henrik Ibsen’s play, ‘A Doll House’, such minor characters exist, who can change the outcome of the play. Mrs. Linde, a childhood friend of Nora, the protagonist, highlights Nora’s childlike and egotistic state by contrasting it with Linde’s selfless and sensible character. She aids in the development of plot by introducing the idea of self-satisfaction to Nora, whose main function is to fulfill a women’s role in the household. Ultimately, Mrs. Linde can be identified as an important minor character because she aids in the change of plot and character development. To begin with, Linde
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The real villain is established, Helmer. His obsession of maintaining control over Nora and his selfish deeds allow the reader to readily accept him as the real problem in the play. If Linde didn’t persuade Korgstad to forgive the loan Nora would have never realized that their relationship is the real conflict. Instead of leaving her family Nora may have chosen to commit suicide as she had previously planned. It seems trivial that one should have to sacrifice their life for something so small. If Helmer didn’t possess this flaw, there would not be any need of any drama; a simple apology would have sufficed. However this flaw did exist and Linde through her persuasion of Krogstad was able to shine light on the matter. Ultimately, Mrs. Linde was a prominent character who helped shape the plot of this novel by, creating conflict with Krogstad regarding the new job, plotting the idea of creating a new life for Nora, and persuading Krogstad to forgive Nora’s loan. In addition, Mrs. Linde was able to highlight the character development of certain major personality in the play such as: Helmer, Kogstad, and Nora. To begin with, the interactions between Linde and Helmer outlined his need for perfection, and keeping up appearances. As Linde meets up with Helmer and Nora, ‘“yes, take a