Ejlert Lovborg was once a very promising young scholar in the town, compared to the likes of Jorgen Tesman, with whom he shares a birth year, in potential for future success. However, early on in his career, Ejlert succumbed to certain temptations that have haunted his life ever since. Forced to leave the town in shame after realizing his alcohol problem, Ejlert became determined to regain some of his former dignity.
Just outside of town, and away from the distractions and stigmas of that place, Ejlert proceeded to go about writing a scholarly book that would surely force the public to accept him as a serious intellectual. Upon publication, his book was incredibly well received, and it seemed at last he had gained a level of forgiveness from the world for his foolish youthful indulgences.
When we meet Ejlert, he has recently returned to town in order to pursue a professorship, and is anxious to see his former friends Jorgen and Hedda Tesman once more. His desire to focus on his career and erase the town's prejudices against him is strong.