Mr.

Arthur Birling: He is the head of the Birling family, a rich businessman, and is
shown as very full of himself, proud and always looking to be in charge. He cares a
lot about how people see him and doesn't like to take responsibility for his actions.
Mrs. Sybil Birling: She is Mr. Birling's wife and is shown as a person who doesn't
show much emotions and likes to show off her high social status and good taste.
Sheila Birling: She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, engaged to Gerald
Croft. She is shown as a happy, excited and carefree girl.
Eric Birling: He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Birling, shown as a person who doesn't
have a clear direction in life, likes to drink and often disagrees with his parents.
Gerald Croft: He is Sheila's fiancé and is shown as a good-looking, nice and well-
educated person.

The play opens with the Birling family celebrating the engagement of Sheila and
Gerald. The happy mood is spoilt by the arrival of Inspector Goole, who informs
them that he is investigating the death of a girl, Eva Smith, who has committed
suicide. He shows her photograph to Mr Birling and starts questioning him. Mr
Birling admits that he sacked Eva from his factory, even though she was a very
good worker, because she was one of the ringleaders of a strike for more money.
Sheila is questioned next and it turns out that she was the cause of Eva Smith her
next job in Milwards, when Sheila complained about her being impertinent. The
inspector explains that at this point Eva changed her name to Daisy Renton. Gerald
then confesses to Sheila that he had an affair with Daisy Renton the previous
summer.