Abstract Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People and Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons focus on the moral complexities faced by the protagonists, Dr. Stockmann and Sir Thomas More. The study reflects on how each character embodies the conflict between their moral thoughts and societal expectations. Readers, per the Reader-response theory, are invited to be part of the characters' dilemmas, exploring their motivations and the broader implications of their choices. Ibsen’s Dr. Stockmann is shown as a tragic figure who confronts the hypocrisy of his community; on the contrary, Bolt’s depiction of More as a steadfast moral compass highlights different responses to the corruption of truth. This response encourages readers to consider their own beliefs about integrity, sacrifice, and the nature of evil in contemporary society, in addition to analyzing the narrative dialogues and ethical conflicts. This study emphasizes the relevance of these themes and invites a deeper reflection on the complexities of human morality. It also highlights the role of the reader in interpreting any text in any period.