In Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts, each one of the characters seems to suffer much heartache. Osvald discovers much about his past, which brings him mental suffering as he wrestles with his past. Regina suffers from her past as well as the intimidation and abuse from those around her. But why would God allow these characters to suffer? Did they deserve their suffering? I believe that in this play, it is shown that in some cases we have tendencies (such as Osvald to be permiscuous... "inherited" from his father?) to sin, which may bring on suffering. But in other cases (such as Regina) suffering seems totally unwarrented. I think that Ibsen is investigating the effects of generational sin in this play. Perhaps he is questioning the reality that we may be required to suffer for the sins of our parents. Is this fair? And why would God allow this?