If Nora is faced with a task that requires great courage, and it won’t bring her much glory — no one will ever know she did it — the audience will sympathize with her most if she volunteers. It will diminish her if she has to be forced into acting. On the other hand, if the task at hand is one that will bring fame or fortune, then the audience will have much more sympathy for Nora if she doesn’t put herself forward, but modestly waits to be called on.
