An Inspector Calls Characters

Mr Birling (Arthur)
Questioned in Act 1
Married to Mrs Birling
Father to Sheila and Eric
Factory Owner

Involvement in Eva Smiths death:
Sacked her because she asked for a pay rise

At the start of the play:
-Likes to show off - talks about Titanic and the war
-Opinionated
-Married into his social position
-Subservient to Mrs Birling (but he doesn't see it like that)
At the end of the play:
-No character Growth
-More aware of his families problems but he is more bothered about not getting his knighthood

Key Moments and Effect:

• When congratulating Sheila and Gerald, Mr Birling looks forward to a time when 'Crofts and Birlings' are no longer competing - business before his family.
• Defensive when questioned - makes excuses for sacking Eva 'She had alot to say...so she had to go' - remembers when questioned but not before.
• Worries about families reputation being tarnished. 'When this comes out' - family seems less important.
• Shocked/Angry about Eric, speaks 'angrily'
• Relieved when he thinks it's a hoax, 'We've been had'
• He takes the final phone call - head of family - before cycle repeats.

Sheila Birling
Questioned in Act 1
Engaged to Gerald Croft
Erics Sister

Involvement in Eva Smiths Death:
Got her sacked from her sales assistant job due to jealousy and being in a bad mood

At the start of the play:
- Childish - 'Mummy' 'Daddy'
- Innocent - teases Eric 'Squiffy'
- Looking forward to getting married 'It's wonderful [ring]'
At the end of the play:
- Grown up - takes responsibility - 'You began to learn something' ' I behaved badly too'
- No longer engaged - gives back her engagement ring
- She and Eric are the only people that accept responsibility for Eva's death at end

Key Moments and Effect:

• Knows Gerald has a secret - 'except for all last summer when you never came near me'
• When questioned she admits responsibility and shows remorse - 'I'll never, never do it again'
• Gives Gerald back the ring after being questioned.
• Cautions her mother not to hold back the truth - 'you may as well admit it'
• First Person to understand Eric's involvement - 'but don't you see...'

Gerald Croft
Questioned in Act 2
Engaged to Sheila Birling

Involvement in Eva Smiths Death:
Had an affair with Daisy Renton (Eva) then left her

At the start of the play:
- Comfortable around the family - looks up to Mr Birling, sides with him and believes him.

At the end of the play:
- Proves inspector wasn't genuine or real
- Still wants to be part of the family - 'What about this ring?'

Key Moments and Effect:

• Gives Sheila an engagement ring - 'He produces a ring case' - serious about marridge and about getting into the family as it is good for business.
• Justifies Mr Birling sacking Eva - 'I think you were [justified]'
• Reveals his affair with Daisy Renton (only does this when forced)
• Wants Sheila to leave room when he is being questioned - makes it look like he is protecting her but is really protecting himself.
• Doesn't accept blame - 'She didn't blame me at all'
• Sheila breaks up with him - gives him back the engagement ring.

Mrs Birling
Questioned in Act 2
Married to Mr Birling
Mother to Sheila and Eric

Involvement in Eva Smiths death:
Refused to give Eva aid because Eva called herself 'Mrs Birling'

At the start of the play:
- Obviously in charge of the family - she has authority over Mr Birling.
- Strict on standards.
- Proud of her children.
At the end of the play:
- Refuses to accept any blame.
- Is forced to face Eric's drinking problems.

Key moments and effect:

• Tells Mr Birling off for thanking the cook - 'You're not to say such things' - shows her class and snobbery
• Tells Sheila that men 'have important work to do' - shows her opinion on womans place in society (fits in with the time period)
• Absent from half of act 1 to the start of act 2
• Tells the inspector she can't help - 'I don't think we can help you much' - she is confident in her families innocent and is in denial

Eric Birling
Questioned in Act 3
Father of Eva's unborn baby
Sheila's Brother

Involvement in Eva Smiths death:
Had a relationship with her. stole money to help her but she left him

At the start of the play:
- Doesn't seem to fit in - 'not quite at ease'
- He is a drunk 'You're Squiffy' (Sheila)
At the end of the play:
- He accepts responsibility for what he did and blames Mrs Birling - 'Then you killed her'
-He and Sheila are the only people that take responsibility at the end - 'and I say the girl is dead and we all helped to kill her and that is what matters' 

Key moments and effect:

• Denial of being 'Squiffy' - won't accept his problem.
• Tries to stand up to father - 'Yes I know, but still' 'Why shouldn't she [Eva] try for higher wages' - gets put down by Mr Birling though.
• Absent in act 2 - walks out while Mrs Birling is being questioned.
• Returns when curtain falls at end of act 2.
• Questioned in act 3 - takes responsibility for being the dad and also for stealing - 'I got it from the office'
• Feels ashamed of parents and lack of remorse - 'don't forget I am ashamed of you as well - yes, both of you'

Inspector Goole
He is a proffessional and is there to question the family and Gerald.
He makes all the characters examine thier actions

At the start of the play:
- Mysterious.
- Not Impressed by Mr Birling - answers with short business like responses - 'Quite so'

At the end of the play:
-Sums up the moral/point of the play - 'We are responsible for each other'

Key moments and effect:

• Arrives and interupts happy chat.
• Shows Mr Birling Picture - prompts his confession.
• Tells Sheila that Eva worked at Millwards and shows her the picture.
• Tells Gerald Eva changed her name to Daisy Renton.
• Shows Mrs Birling the picture and is rude and abrupt to her to force her to tell the truth.
• Agrees Eric Should have a quick drink before talking.
• He is there to move the plot forward and to question the characters.