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Torvald Helmer is the antagonist in Henrik Ibsens 1879 play, A Dolls House. He believes that his duty to fit societies idea of being a man, to keep his wife and the mother of his children Nora Helmer under control, guiding her to play the role of a housewife to perfection.

Torvalds character is significant as he represents every man in this time period, highlighting the inequality and oppression of women in the 18th Century and in a society dominated by men. Ibsen presents Helmer as a controlling and manipulative character, believing he holds the power within his relationship while treating his wife like a child. He is revealed to be a childish and petty character through his behaviour and attitude towards others. He consistently prioritises himself and his reputation over his wife's wishes, as well as having a desperation for societies respect, he shows he will obtain and keep this respect at all costs, We see this when he fires Nils Krogstad simply for not treating him with the proper respect by using his correct title. Helmer is known to like being in control and to have power over others, he refuses to let his wife have a key to their mailbox, does not let her handle any money unless he gives it to her, and treats her in the same way you would treat a child or a pet. constantly demeaning her by referring to her as his little "squirrel" or "skylark".

In the 1973 adaptation of the play, Torvald was played by award winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins. This film adaptation of Ibsen's play was released April 10 1973, starring Hopkins and Claire Bloom. Directed by Patrick Garland.