Torvald initially says that he is firing Krogstad because the crime he committed—that of forgery—is particularly serious within the context of banking. He also says that he believes Krogstad has a depraved moral character and is constantly poisoning the minds of his children with lies and dissimulation. He regards Krogstad as irretrievably corrupt and asks Nora not to plead his case.

Nora, of course, ignores this request. However, when she does ask Torvald to change his mind about firing Krogstad, he stands firm. He says that Mrs. Linde is to have his position at the bank, but when Nora objects that he could just as easily get rid of some other clerk, Torvald says that it is already known at the bank that Krogstad is to be dismissed, and it would injure Torvald’s dignity if he were seen to change his mind at his wife’s insistence.

Finally, Torvald gives a reason which, though it is the least fair, seems closest to the true explanation of why he wants to get rid of Krogstad. The two of them knew each other as boys and were close friends. Because of this, Krogstad never acts like Torvald’s subordinate, even when others are present. Torvald finds this familiar manner intolerable and does not want to have to work with Krogstad for fear that it will damage his authority.