Who is Hedda Gabler - Mrs. Elvsted from Four Major Plays and what is their importance?

Mrs. Elvsted is a foil for Hedda. She is in love with Eilert Lovborg, but she is also afraid that his return to town will cause him to relapse to alcoholism. Mrs. Elvsted goes to Hedda for help, even though her past interactions with Hedda were less than amiable.