# Ibsen — Heretics character guide

> Ibsen in Heretics by G. K. Chesterton.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** genial old Ibsen

**First appearance:** 0001-heretics

## Who they are

Norwegian playwright whose realistic dramas are discussed as modern heresies.

## Relationships

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_rivalry_

Ibsen is criticized for his pessimistic and deterministic view of human nature, opposing the narrator's optimism.

## In the story

### [II: On the Negative Spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se/chapters/ii-on-the-negative-spirit)

Chesterton discusses Ibsen's work, particularly 'Ghosts' and 'The Wild Duck', as lacking a positive ideal of good, focusing instead on the exposure of evil.

### [Mr. Bernard Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se/chapters/iv-mr-bernard-shaw)

Shaw's philosophy is linked to 'The Quintessence of Ibsenism,' representing the rejection of moral ideals.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se/characters/ibsen
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/heretics_se/characters