Linde in the play to serve as a foil to Nora. When Mrs. Linde is first introduced, she immediately comes across as being quite the contrast to Nora. She has no husband, no children, no duties, and no obligations to fulfill. On the other hand, Nora has three children, a husband, and many obligations to fulfill for both her husband and children. Initially, Nora comes across as being selfish, carefree and, childish while Mrs. Linde comes across as being mature, hardworking, and experienced. While speaking to Mrs. Linde, Nora claims that she, "won't be selfish today" (10), yet she goes on to brag "[my] husband has been appointed manager of the New Savings Bank" (11). Still, she goes on to complain that despite this, her life has been very difficult. In comparison to Mrs. Linde's life, Nora has had quite an easy life. When Nora finally gives Mrs. Linde the opportunity to speak, she begins to discuss her husband's death and how she had to take care of her ill mother and younger brothers for many years. Mrs. Linde has faced many hardships in her life, while Nora has not necessarily faced any serious problems in hers. Nora claims that her life has been difficult as well because her family never had a lot of money and she had to take up, "Needlework, crocheting, [and] embroidery" (11). .
In contrast, Mrs. Linde had to marry a wealthy man she did not love so she could take care of her dying mother and younger brothers. When her husband passed away, she had to take on several different jobs to survive. Moreover, another distinct difference in the two women is not found in the characters themselves, but instead in the roles that they play in their relationships. Nora and Torvald have an unjust marriage where Nora is treated as a child's play thing. Torvald treats her as though she were an object instead of a human being. In her final argument with Torvald, Nora asserts, "I believe that I am a human being, just as much as you are – or at least I will try to become one.
