iGCSE English Literature OxfordAQA

An Inspector Calls: Character Profiles

Arthur Birling

• Desperate for social status and respectability, but endorses the capitalist views that Priestley criticises.

• Showed little remorse for his part in Eva Smith's predicament, further highlighting his complacency and stubbornness.

• His incorrect predictions about the Titanic and World War I underline his ignorance in the macrocosm of society.

Sheila Birling

• Undergoes the greatest transformation throughout the play, accepting and understanding her culpability in Eva’s demise.

• Embodies responsibility by the play's end, which Priestley aimed to instil in his audience.

• Sheila's character is utilised to illustrate the younger generation’s open-mindedness to socialism, contrasting with her parent's rigidity.

Gerald Croft

• Is symbolic of the young upper class; whilst appearing progressive, he remains deeply conservative.

• His affair with Daisy Renton proves his disregard for the sanctity of his relationship with Sheila.

• Represents how the wealthy can manipulate vulnerable individuals and avoid consequences due to their privileged status.

Eric Birling

• Portrayed as a 'half-shy, half-assertive' character. His excessive drinking points to his unhappiness with his position in life.

• His theft from Mr Birling’s business and his impregnation of Eva Smith reveal the entitlement and irresponsibility inherent within his character.

• However, like Sheila, shows a willingness to accept his guilt and change his ways, demonstrating Priestley’s optimism for younger generations.

Mrs Birling

• Exemplifies the rigid class and gender prejudice prevalent in Edwardian society.

• Holds an unfounded high regard for her own morals, yet her cold dismissal of Eva’s predicament contradicts her self-perception.

• Does not accept any responsibility for Eva's death, thus Priestley uses her to symbolise the upper class's indifference to the plight of the working class.

Inspector Goole

• Regarded as Priestley's mouthpiece, personifying the principles of socialism in his insistence on social responsibility.

• His enigmatic identity leaves room for interpretation – perhaps metaphorically suggesting fate, conscience or divine intervention.

• Ratchets up the tension dramatically with his questioning technique; employs comprehensive knowledge of events to break down the Birlings' and Gerald's complacency.