AN INSPECTOR CALLS: Character Analysis

An Inspector Calls is a play by J. B. Priestley that explores the themes of social

responsibility, morality, and class. The play features six main characters: the Birling
family, Gerald Croft, and Inspector Goole. Each character represents a different
perspective and attitude towards society and the death of Eva Smith, a young working-
class woman who committed suicide after being exploited and rejected by various
people.

Arthur Birling is the patriarch of the Birling family and a successful businessman. He is
proud of his wealth and status, and believes in the capitalist ideals of individualism,
competition, and profit. He is also confident and optimistic about the future, ignoring
the signs of social unrest and impending war. He is the first to be questioned by the
Inspector, who reveals that Arthur fired Eva Smith from his factory for asking for a raise.
Arthur does not feel any guilt or remorse for his actions, and tries to justify them as a
matter of business. He also tries to use his influence and connections to intimidate the
Inspector and protect his reputation. He represents the upper-class arrogance and
indifference towards the lower-class suffering.

Sybil Birling is the wife of Arthur and the mother of Sheila and Eric. She is a cold and
snobbish woman who considers herself superior to others because of her social class. She
is also a prominent member of a charity organisation that helps destitute women, but
she does not show any genuine compassion or empathy for them. She is the second to be
questioned by the Inspector, who reveals that Sybil denied help to Eva Smith, who came
to her charity under the name of Mrs Birling. Sybil accuses Eva of being impertinent and
dishonest, and blames her for her own fate. She also refuses to accept any responsibility
for her actions, and blames the father of Eva’s unborn child, unaware that it is her own
son Eric. She represents the hypocrisy and prejudice of the upper-class morality.

Sheila Birling is the daughter of Arthur and Sybil, and the fiancée of Gerald Croft. She is
a young and attractive woman who is excited about her engagement and her privileged
life. She is also naive and impressionable, and easily influenced by her parents and
Gerald. She is the third to be questioned by the Inspector, who reveals that Sheila got
Eva Smith fired from a shop for giving her a sour look. Sheila is shocked and ashamed of
her behaviour, and admits that she acted out of jealousy and spite. She also shows
genuine remorse and sympathy for Eva, and tries to learn from her mistakes. She is the
most receptive and responsive to the Inspector’s message, and challenges her family’s
views and values. She represents the potential for change and improvement in the
younger generation.

Gerald Croft is the son of a wealthy industrialist and the fiancé of Sheila Birling. He is a
handsome and charming man who is well-liked by the Birlings. He is also ambitious and
opportunistic, and hopes to merge his business with Arthur’s. He is the fourth to be
questioned by the Inspector, who reveals that Gerald had an affair with Eva Smith, who
used the name of Daisy Renton. Gerald admits to his infidelity, but claims that he
genuinely cared for Daisy and helped her out of a difficult situation. He also tries to
prove that the Inspector is a fraud, and hopes to salvage his relationship with Sheila and
his reputation. He represents the ambivalence and compromise of the upper-class
conscience.

Eric Birling is the son of Arthur and Sybil, and the brother of Sheila. He is a young and
troubled man who drinks heavily and behaves erratically. He is also rebellious and
dissatisfied with his family and his life. He is the last to be questioned by the Inspector,
who reveals that Eric had a sexual relationship with Eva Smith, and got her pregnant.
Eric confesses to his actions, and reveals that he also stole money from his father’s
office to support Eva. He expresses his anger and frustration with his parents, and his
guilt and sorrow for Eva. He also agrees with the Inspector’s message, and supports his
sister’s stance. He represents the disillusionment and despair of the younger generation.

Inspector Goole is the mysterious and mysterious figure who arrives at the Birling’s
house to investigate the death of Eva Smith. He is described as a man of “massiveness,
solidity and purposefulness”. He is also authoritative and assertive, and does not
tolerate any interruptions or objections from the Birlings. He claims to have a duty to
make the Birlings aware of their responsibility and accountability for their actions, and
to make them feel the pain and suffering of Eva Smith. He also seems to know
everything about Eva and the Birlings, and uses a series of photographs to confront them
with the truth. He leaves the Birlings with a warning that they will face the
consequences of their actions, and that there are millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths
who need their help and compassion. He represents the voice of social justice and moral
conscience.