Tesman appears to be a weaker and less stable person. She is never sure of her decisions or comments, and Hedda takes advantage of the weakness of both persons to further uphold her position. .
The conflict is further intensified by the return trip of Eilert LÖvborg, a former companion of Hedda's. Hedda has feelings for Eilert throughout the entire novel, and had them before George, but she did not follow her heart because her instincts, and her father, had told her that men like Eilert were not good enough to have a real relationship with. However, when Eilert returns, Hedda's feelings grow intensely. She tries not to make it obvious to everyone but Eilert picks up on her innuendo. For example, Hedda asks him to dinner, but does so in a manner which leaves to Eilert's mind what she is implying, when she says, "But, Tesman, if Mr. LÖvborg would really rather not! I am sure Mr. LÖvborg is much more inclined to remain here and have supper with me - " And with Mrs. Elvsted- (Ibsen 35). She continues to batter LÖvborg by telling him that she is married, and acts highly insulted when he speaks to her in a manner that sets her forth as a common person. Hedda's stubbornness and conflict comes from her former relationship with LÖvborg.
Another aspect of the play that further extenuates the conflict of the story is Mrs. Tesman. Mrs. Tesman has an affair with LÖvborg, and the two become romantic with each other. Their relations began when LÖvborg was hired by Mr. and Mrs. Tesman to tutor their children. When Hedda realizes that something is going on, she becomes both upset and angry. Thus, she at one point gets Mrs. Tesman alone and harasses her. Her treatment of Mrs. Tesman is composed out of both hatred and a jealousy. It is learned that in high school, Hedda would do such things to Mrs. Tesman as tease her, pull her hair, and make a mockery of her.
The climax of the play comes when Hedda burns Eilert's papers.