How does A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen show the effects that social roles had on 19th century men and women? The effects of social roles on 19th century men and women are shown through the actions and morals of the characters in Henrik Ibsen's play, A Doll's House. The show demonstrates through its main characters the demanding norms of society. When one does not respect the norms of Victorian society he is shunned, pitied and left with almost nothing. Ibsen's humanistic side is seen through this play as he creates realistic problems for fictional people to suffer through. Hence, the effects of social roles are seen in the character of Nora Helmer, who is the obedient and naive wife who finds her true self and decides to rebel against social perspectives. It is also observed in Torvald Helmer, who displays the qualities of the stereotypical male of the Victorian era and this display of social norms affects Nils Krogstad, who went from accepting the social order to rebelling for the sake of his family. Each of these characters helps understand the concept of social expectations and struggles to achieve them. Effect on Nora from Social Roles First and foremost, Nora Helmer is the figurative wife that all 19th century men desire and work hard to obtain. She has a childish and naive personality which helps her get along with her children and adapt to Victorian society. Society's demands are routine for her as she tells Christine Linde: “Free. To be free, absolutely free. To spend time playing with children. To have a nice and clean house, as Torvald likes” (Ibsen, act 1). At the time of this play Queen Victoria is in power, symbolizing a woman's roles revolving around...the center of the card...Victorian Ideals." Victorian Ideals. Np, nd Web. May 20, 2014.Clark, Barret H. "Peer Gynt - a play by Henrik Ibsen." House. Np. Web. 20 May 2014. .Wilde, Oscar. "The Picture of Dorian Gray." May 2014. .Wojtczak, Helena 19TH CENTURY ENGLAND: A BRIEF OVERVIEW by Helena Wojtczak. "History of English Women. Hastings Press, nd Web. 23 May 2014. .