In order that her husband may retire and recover his health, Nora Helmer goes to Krogstad, a moneylender, and forges her father's name to a note.

Six years later, Torvald, her husband, has risen to manager level in a bank but refuses to retain Krogstad in his employ; the latter threatens Nora with exposure unless she uses her influence in his behalf.  In spite of Nora's efforts, her husband denounces Krogstad as a criminal and, in desperation he sends Torvald a letter exposing Nora's forgery.  Instead of shielding his wife, Torvald is infuriated at the blow to his reputation; however, influenced by Mrs. Linden, Krogstad relents and withdraws his accusation, and all is well

Nora, finding her illusions about her marriage shattered, perceives the truth about her doll-like existence and asserts her right to live her own life.