An Inspector Calls Characters - Mrs Birling

Mrs Birling

• Mrs Birling is described as her husbands social superior and although he comes across as having more power in the family she does assert her own power when telling him off. "Arthur, you're not supposed to say such things" "Now Arthur, I don't think you ought to talk business on an occasion like this."
• When she enters the scene after Birling and Shelia's confessions, she assumes a position od socail superiority, Unlike Shelia she doesn't reliese that this will not work and will end up looking like a fool if she carries on. "I don't suppose for a moment that we can understand why the girl committed sucide." This also shows Mrs Birling's ignorance and inability to understand, which are both weaknesses.
• She also shows her ignorance to the world around her. "surely you don't mean Alderman Meggarty?" She is shocked and it is obviously new…