# Ejlert Lövborg — Hedda Gabler character guide

> Ejlert Lövborg in Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Lövborg, Eilert Lövborg, Eilert, Lovborg, Eilert Lovborg, Eilert LГ¶vborg, Mr. Lövborg, Mr. В LГ¶vborg, Lövborg Smiling

**First appearance:** 0003-act-i

## Snapshot

A brilliant, self-destructive writer who once shared a dangerous intimacy with Hedda and now returns to town with a manuscript and a reformed life.

## Who they are

Lövborg was Tesman's academic rival and Hedda's former companion in a world of forbidden talk, and he arrives back in town sober, disciplined, and newly dependent on Thea Elvsted's devotion. His manuscript — the book he believes will make his name — is the object of Tesman's envy and Hedda's fascination. He carries the memory of what he and Hedda once did together, and she has never forgiven him for ending it.

## Relationships

### [Hedda Gabler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/hedda_gabler)

_psychological_

Hedda exerts a destructive psychological hold over Lövborg, manipulating his insecurities and ultimately driving him to suicide out of jealousy and a desire for control.

### [Judge Brack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/judge_brack)

_rivalry_

Brack and Lövborg are rivals for social standing and Hedda's attention, with Brack using his knowledge of Lövborg's past to humiliate and control him.

### [George Tesman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/george_tesman)

_friendship_

Lövborg and Tesman were former academic rivals who now maintain a strained cordiality, with George admiring Lövborg's talent while feeling threatened by it.

### [Juliana Tesman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/juliana_tesman)

_social_

Juliana regards Lövborg with maternal concern and pity, while he treats her with distant respect as an elder of the Tesman family.

### [Thea Elvsted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/thea_elvsted)

_romantic_

Lövborg and Thea share a deep, creative romantic partnership, with Thea acting as his muse and moral support, though their bond is shattered by Hedda's interference.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters/ejlert_lovborg
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hedda_gabler_se/characters