[Helmer:] Almost everyone who has gone bad early in life has had a deceitful mother.

Nora: Why do you only say mother?

Helmer: It seems most commonly to be the mother's influence, though naturally, a bad father's would have the same result. Every lawyer is familiar with the fact. This Krogstad, now, has been persistently poisoning his own children with lies and dissimulation; that is why I say he has lost all moral character. [Holds out his hands to her.] That is why my sweet little Nora must promise me not to plead his cause... I assure you it would be quite impossible for me to work with him; I literally feel physically ill when I am in the company of such people.

—A Doll's House, Henrik Ibsen

Which statement is the best inference about Torvald's character, based on this passage?

A. Torvald is so kind that he will help anyone in need, including Krogstad.
B. Torvald is concerned about other people's perceptions of him and of his standing.
C. Torvald believes that parents have a great impact on how successful their children's lives will be.
D. Torvald enjoys the idea that Nora needs his guidance, and he interacts with her like a father.