In Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House, Christine Linde surprises Nora Helmer with a visit to her house. The two women were childhood friends and have not seen each other in many years. As both characters' qualities unfold during the play, it is easy to see how Mrs. Linde's character traits underscore those of Nora's. Mrs. Linde's serious, responsible nature amplifies Nora's playful, childlike personality; Mrs. Linde's taking care of her sick mother and two young brothers emphasizes Nora's abandonment of her dying father; and finally Mrs. Linde deciding to marry Krogstad heightens the ending of Nora's marriage.

When the audience first meets Mrs. Linde, she seems to be quite a contrast to the childish Nora. Nora is immature and irresponsible while Mrs. Linde come across as being intelligent and demure. When the two are conversing, Mrs. Linde's quiet, reserved manner is dominated by Nora's bold and frivolous behavior...