As An Enemy of the People opens, the sources of friction between Thomas Stockmann and his brother Peter Stockmann are based in their conflicting positions on water pollution at the local spa in their town. These conflicts are related to their respective commitments to science and politics. Thomas, who is a physician, wants to make public the information in a scientific report that indicates the water is unsafe. Peter, who is the town’s mayor, wants to keep the information secret and continue developing the resort.

In the early scenes of Henrik Ibsen’s play, Thomas’s position seems to be more worthy of support. His bluntness and honesty offer an appealing contrast to Peter’s stance, which seems not only deceptive but self-serving. As the play progresses, however, Thomas’s stubbornness takes on a self-righteous tone. Peter’s position is shown as not entirely political, as he exhibits concern for the economic well-being of their town, not just its reputation.