Act 1, Part 1 Summary

Brovik, his son Ragnar and Kaia work at their desks. Brovik suddenly gets up, breathing with difficulty and saying he can't bear working much longer. Kaia and Ragnar urge him to go home but Brovik refuses, saying he won't leave until he's had a word with the boss. Kaia hears footsteps, and hurries Brovik and Ragnar to their desks in the inner office.

Solness enters. He pretends to speak with Kaia about business but in quiet tones flirts gently with her, making her nervous.

Solness asks Ragnar whether anyone's called. Ragnar tells him that a young couple wanting Solness to build their new home came by, eager to see his drawings. Solness tells Ragnar they can wait, that he's not interested in building something that's merely a roof over someone's head. He says the couple can apply to someone else for...