Ghosts, Act 1 Summary

In the front room of Mrs. Alving's home, Regine quarrels with her father, Engstrand, over whether she should go back to live with him. Regine tells her father she wants nothing to do with him, reminds him to be quiet (since young Master Alving - Oswald - is upstairs sleeping) and urges him, when he goes, to avoid the approaching Pastor Manders.

Pastor Manders comes in, and Regine tells him of her father's request, adding that she refused but hinting that she would be willing to work for Manders if he asked. Manders abruptly sends her to fetch Mrs. Alving, which she does. When Mrs. Alving comes in, and Manders starts a conversation about whether the orphanage she is having built to honor the memory of her late husband should be insured. Mrs. Alving tells him she insures everything, but Manders...