Krogstad

Nils Krogstad is a character in Henrik Ibsen's play, A Doll's House (1879). He is a lawyer who previously worked at the bank where Nora Helmer's husband, Torvald, is now manager. Krogstad holds a compromising secret about Nora: she forged her father's signature on a loan document to obtain money to save Torvald's life when he was ill.

Initially portrayed as a desperate and somewhat ruthless character, Krogstad threatens to reveal Nora's forgery unless she uses her influence with Torvald to ensure he keeps his job at the bank. This threat forms a major plot point, driving the central conflict of the play.

As the play progresses, Krogstad's motivations are explored further. He reveals that he is a widower trying to rebuild his reputation and provide for his children. His desire for respectability is a key factor in his actions.

Ultimately, Krogstad undergoes a transformation. He is rekindled with an old flame, Kristine Linde (Mrs. Linde), who persuades him to reconsider his actions and withdraw his incriminating letter. This reconciliation provides a counterpoint to Nora's own radical decision to leave her husband and children to find her own independence. Krogstad represents a more conventional path to redemption and societal reintegration.