An Inspector Calls Character Notes

Key quotations Key language & structural features Priestley’s Ideas

MR BIRLING long monologues Priestley uses Birling as a symbol of
the callous and heartlessness of
“I’m talking as a hard-headed practical man of business” dramatic irony capitalism. Through his character
he is criticizing the complacency of
‘you’ll hear some people say war is Inevitable … fiddlesticks!’ His language is also very dismissive when he says capitalist prosperity.
‘Fiddlesticks!’ and ‘silly’ - he belittles other’s ideas.
‘The Titanic – she sails next week…and unsinkable, absolutely He is representative of the older
unsinkable.’ Exclamatory sentence – he’s passionate and convinced about generation who were unwilling to
what he’s saying. change.
“I gather there’s a very good chance of a knighthood”
Titanic symbolizes his own family – believes they are However, he is presented as a
“A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his untouchable until the Inspector arrives giving them a rude realistic character by Priestley
family too, of course” awakening. through his use of colloquial
language appropriate for the time.
“(rather impatiently) Horrid business. But I don’t understand why you His language changes when the Inspector arrives as he speaks in Furthermore, he is described as
should come here.” short, sharp fragments and uses lots of dashes. ‘panic stricken’ this indicates that
his defiance and bravado have
“you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else, as if we were His language becomes more colloquial ‘y’know’ which conveys finally been shattered and so
all mixed up like bees in a hive – community and all that nonsense.” how his authority is breaking down. Priestley lets the audience see
someone who is so blindly wrong
“I was an alderman for years – and Lord Mayor two years ago – and He often uses ‘I’ which conveys his selfish attitude, however, as and never as really in control of
I’m still on the Bench – so I know the Brumley police offers pretty well” the play continues he switches to the inclusive pronoun ‘we’ to events as he would like himself and
diminish the scale of the problem (Eva’s death) and shift blame. others to think. Therefore the
“there’s every excuse for what your mother and I did” audience is invited to feel
He uses understatement ‘it would be very awkward wouldn’t sympathy.
“Probably a Socialist or some sort of crank” it?’

“Now look at the pair of them- the famous younger generation who He uses euphemisms when referring to taboo subjects
know it all. And they can’t even take a joke-”
MRS BIRLING The stage descriptions of her actions change as the pretence is Priestley uses Mrs Birling to
“About fifty, a rather cold woman and her husband’s social superior” revealed e.g. ‘grandly’ / ‘haughtily’/ ‘triumphantly’ become epitomize all that is wrong with
‘rather cowed’/ ‘distressed’ ‘staggered’ / ‘alarmed’. society. She represents the social
“girls of that class” snobbery and hypocrisy of the
Mrs Birling’s language is quite abrupt and dismissive: ‘that upper classes and shows no
‘you know, my husband was Lord Mayor only two years ago and that class’/ ‘that sort’/ ‘the type’. She believes she is morally and remorse in her cruel treatment of
he’s still a magistrate’ socially superior to them – she is a snob. Eva Smith.

‘I’m very sorry. But I think she only had herself to blame’ Later in the play Mrs Birling’s language is broken up into Priestley presents her as an absurd
 fragments that don’t connect: ‘No-Eric-please’. The fragmented character that ironically passes her
“I’ve done nothing wrong – and you know it.” speech echoes the collapsing of self-confidence and own social guilt onto her own son
complacency of these very comfortable, middle class, wealthy – condemning him. As a result,
“Go and look for the father of the child. It’s his responsibility.” characters. This is more shocking because of the contrast with Priestley deals with Mrs Birling
how they were at the start of the play. The dashes could also with special severity, having her
“She was giving herself ridiculous airs…claiming elaborate fine represent the break down in their relationship. fall into a trap of her own making:
feelings…that were simply absurd in a girl in her position.” she is confronted with the
Mrs Birling uses imperatives as she commands the Inspector knowledge that Eric is a hard
“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!” and other characters which conveys her superiority, confidence drinker and the father of the dead
and self-assurance. woman’s child. She has helped to
“I’m sorry she should have come to such a horrible end. But I accept kill her own grandchild. It is only
no blame at all” Puts on a pretence of respectability by her use of euphemisms: when she realises this does she
e.g. ‘a girl of that begin to show any signs of
“he ought to be dealt with very severely-…make sure that he’s Class’ who has found herself in a ‘particular condition’ weakening.
compelled to confess in public his responsibility”
Use of imagery: Sheila warns her mother not to try and build up Priestley shows us that we should
‘he certainly didn’t make me confess – I had done no more than my a kind of ‘wall’ – the not trust the wealthy members of
duty’ wall being a symbol of a barrier/pretence society to tell the truth.
SHEILA BIRLING Sheila uses imagery when she talks of her mother’s attempts to Priestley uses the character of
“A pretty girl in her early twenties, very pleased with life and rather ‘build up a kind of wall’; implying the metaphorical distance Mrs Sheila to represent his own views
excited” Birling creates between the classes. When Sheila warns the of social responsibility.
others that the Inspector is ‘giving us rope so that we hang
“Yes, go on, Mummy” ourselves’, she once again uses a metaphor to create a visual She offers hope for the future and
image of the way the Inspector skilfully manipulates characters Priestley uses Shelia as an example
“(rather distressed) I can’t help thinking about this girl- destroying into confessing their sins. of people’s changing attitudes
herself so horribly- and I’ve been so happy tonight. Oh I wish you towards those less fortunate than
hadn’t told me.” Sheila’s language also reflects her increasing maturity as she themselves. She is sympathetic
begins the play saying “mummy” using a lot of personal towards Eva and other girls in her
“But these girls aren’t cheap labour- they’re people.” pronouns to highlight her selfish, childlike attitude at the start of position, recognising that they
“She was a very pretty girl…that didn’t make it any better.” the play. As the play progresses she refers to Mrs Birling as were “not just cheap labour but
“mother” which reflects this change and perhaps she doesn’t people”. She accepts that her
“I went to the manager and told him this girl had been very feel as intimate with her mother and has lost respect for her actions impacted on Eva’s life and
impertinent – and – and - ” because of the way she is behaving. that she cannot disconnect her
actions from the effects these have
“And if I could help her now, I would-” Sheila’s language becomes more passionate and she uses on others. She recognises and
sarcasm (“So nothing’s happened, so there’s nothing to be sorry understands the Inspector’s
“I’ll never, never do it again to anybody…I feel now I can never go for, nothing to learn.”) Sheila also uses irony when she is message that we are all collectively
there again” appalled by her parents’ attitudes to carry on as before: “I responsible for all that happens in
suppose we’re all nice people now”. Sheila uses irony to show the world.
“Why- you fool- he knows. Of course he knows. And I hate to think that she completely disagrees with her parents and that she
how much he knows that we don’t know yet. You’ll see. You’ll see.” understands the moral consequences of her actions. The use of At times she acts as almost an
irony highlights the tensions that existed between the younger assistant to the Inspector, in that
“You mustn’t try to build up a kind of wall between us and that girl. If and older generations. she supports his criticism of the
you do the Inspector will just break it down. And it’ll be all the worse other characters, becoming his
when he does” Sheila and Eric are less restrained and their use of slang mouthpiece when he has left the
expressions such as ‘squiffy’ which shock their parents and stage. Sheila’s character becomes
“No, he’s giving us the rope- so that we’ll hang ourselves” highlight the tensions between the generations. quite didactic and this can make
her a character with whom the
Bitterly ”I suppose we’re all nice people now” Sheila uses dramatic language “We killed her” audience do not sympathise with
as her change has happened far
“He inspected us all right.” Stage directions– she “shivers”, “tensely” - shows her fear too quickly and so she is in some
ways quite unrealistic.
“It frightens me the way you talk” Shows she becomes a bit like the Inspector – asking questions,
contradicting her mother.

Sheila significantly refuses to take back Gerald’s ring and

interestingly she uses phrases reminiscent of the Inspector in
her reply, “not yet” and “It’s too soon” which emphasizes the
importance of timing – the telephone rings just after.
ERIC BIRLING Eric acts as dramatic irritant to his father challenging his Eric has the most active social
“In his early twenties, not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive” ideology – contradicting him / interrupting / asking questions. conscience – at the start of play he
says: “he could have kept her
“Why shouldn’t they try for higher wages? We try for the highest Eric uses a euphemism to describe his sexual assault on Eva instead of throwing her out”. This
possible prices” Smith: ‘that’s when it happened.’ demonstrates that there is
potential/hope for the future. At
“it isn’t as if you can go and work somewhere else.” Eric’s language is fragmented as he becomes emotional / the end of the play Eric shows
hysterical. The dashed could also represent the break down in remorse and his acceptance is
“He could have kept her on instead of throwing her out. I call it tough his relationship with his mother. evidence of his moral fibre.
luck.”
As his attack on his mother continues, his language becomes Through Eric’s treatment of Eva “I
“I’d have let her stay” more violent as he repeats ‘killed’ three times. The effect on the wasn’t in love with her or
reader is highly shocking as this language completely contrasts anything” an abhorrent picture of
“Well I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty- and I with the polite, euphemistic language of earlier in the play. the upper-class emerges. They are
threatened to make a row” Priestley effectively uses the semantic field of heaven and hell shown to be callous and cold.
when Eric describes what he did to Eva Smith: ‘that’s the hellish However, Eric illustrates the
“And that’s when it happened. And I don’t even remember- that’s the thing. Oh - my God!’ capacity to change – despite your
hellish thing.” past errors and your family’s
When the Inspector leaves Eric emulates the Inspector using the beliefs you can change. His
“I wasn’t in love with her or anything- but I liked her- she was pretty Inspector’s harsh, commanding language. Priestley does this so transformation is more realistic –
and a good sport-” the Inspector’s presence is felt on stage and a reminder to the as at first he blames his mother for
audience to look at their own conscience. (“the girl’s dead”) her death and then finally comes
“she didn’t want me to marry her. Said I didn’t love her- and all that. In round to accepting responsibility.
a way, she treated me- as if I were a kid. Though I was nearly as old as Eric’s character develops - stage directions, e.g. ‘uneasily’ /
she was.” ‘unease’; ‘suddenly guffaws’ – by the end ‘shouting’ On the other hand, he is presented
 as quite a weak character and is
“You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to when he’s in trouble- the most emotional and
that’s why.” demonstrative of all. This leads the
audience to question whether he
“Then- you killed her. She came to you to protect me- and you turned can change his ways for good or is
her away-yes, and you killed her-and the child she’d have had too- my he too weak and dependent on his
child- your own grandchild- you killed them both- damn you, damn parents?
you-”
When Eric gives Eva stolen money,
“He was our police inspector all right” Priestley could be commenting
that wealth does not replace
“(shouting) And I say the girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her- and goodness and integrity – there
that’s what matters-” needed to be a more even
distribution of wealth so people
like Eric become socially aware.
GERALD CROFT Gerald is inevitably careful and correct about what he says. Priestley uses the character of
Gerald Croft to throw light both on
“An attractive chap about thirty, rather too manly to be a dandy but Mrs Birling’s admiration of Gerald’s cleverness is echoed at the the Birling parents who are too set
very much the easy well-bred young man-about-town” end of the play. There are many parallels like this in the play’s in their social ways to be changed
construction, which link in with Priestley’s ideas on timing. by the Inspector’s visit, and on the
“Well, it came just at the right moment. That was clever of you, Birling children who are certainly
Gerald.” Gerald echoes Mr Birling’s concern to protect Sheila from very responsive to the Inspector’s
anything ‘unpleasant’ – patronizing – view of women message, but possibly in a slightly
“You couldn’t have done anything else” (sacking Eva Smith) naïve and hysterical way. Gerald
Euphemism is also used in the play when characters refer to acts as a bridge between the two
“After all, y’know, we’re respectable citizens and not criminals” taboo subjects, so when Mr Birling talks of Eva becoming a generations.
prostitute he talks of her going ‘on the street’ and Gerald refers
(about Sheila): “She’s obviously had about as much as she can stand” to ‘women of the town’. Gerald provides a strong contrast
to Eric, Mr Birling’s natural son and
“Why should you [stay]? It’s bound to be unpleasant and disturbing” Gerald and Sheila use irony in their interchange when he says Priestley uses Gerald to show the
“You’re going to be a great help” and “I’m glad I amuse you”. tensions between Eric and his
“It’s a favourite haunt of women of the town” The irony highlights for us the tension between the two of them. father.

‘[Daisy] gave me a glance that was nothing less than a cry for help” Gerald uses imagery of a rescue mission when describing his Priestley shows that it was
role in Daisy Renton’s death. He does this to lessen his guilt and common for the upper class to
“I insisted on Daisy moving into these rooms and I made her take some try and justify his behaviour. behave so badly towards the
money to keep her going there…I want you to understand that I didn’t lower-class by having Gerald
install her there so I could make love to her…I was sorry for her…I Gerald’s offering Sheila the engagement ring echoes the same present. If the Inspector only
didn’t ask for anything in return” event from the start of the play. questioned the Birling family,
Priestley wouldn’t be able to
“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted- and intensely grateful. I convey to the audience how
became at once the most important person in her life- you widespread the problem was. Nor
understand?” would he be able to get them to
inspect their own consciences.
“She told me she’d been happier than she’d ever been before”

“Nearly any man would have done” (adored being ‘fairy prince’)

“That man wasn’t a police officer…I’m almost certain”

“But how do you know it’s the same girl? ... We’ve no proof it was the
same photograph and therefore no proof it was the same girl”

“Everything’s all right now Sheila. What about this ring?”

INSPECTOR GOOLE The Inspector assumes control, which is a disturbing shift for The omniscient Inspector is used
Birling and he immediately tries to regain it. The Inspector by Priestley to further convey his
“Need not be a big man but he creates at once an impression of interrupts Birling ‘cutting through, massively’. The Inspector’s views on collective / social
massiveness, solidity and purposefulness.” interruptions and his indifference to the nicer points of polite responsibility. The Inspector is
behaviour make him stand apart from the others. used very effectively to highlight
“He is a man in his fifties, dressed in a plain darkish suit of the period. the corruption and the selfish
He speaks carefully, weightily and has a disconcerting habit of looking Whenever Priestley describes the Inspector, he uses the attitudes of the twentieth century
hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking” semantic field of size: showing the importance of this man, and society.
his power.
“Two hours ago a young woman died in the Infirmary. She’d been The Inspector’s name leads us to
taken there this afternoon because she’d swallowed a lot of strong He speaks in a controlled way, often building on comments question whether he actually
disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of course” made by other characters. He repeats words they have used and exists. The word ‘Goole’ suggests
manipulates them for his own end. Examples include his his mysterious quality, being a pun
“A chain of events” (may have driven her to suicide) repetition and manipulation of the word ‘impression’ and his on the word ‘ghoul’. Is he merely a
manipulation of the word ‘position’, the meaning of which he ghost, someone whose very
“it’s better to ask for the Earth than to take it” changes from a metaphorical to a more literal one, in order to existence has come about as a
shock Mrs Birling. result of Eva Smith’s death?
“Goole. G. double O-L-E”
The Inspector also turns each character’s words and actions Through the Inspector’s final
“it would do us all a bit of good if sometimes we tried to put ourselves back upon him or her, e.g. he draws attention to Gerald’s dramatic speech, Priestley skillfully
in the place of these young women counting their pennies in their hypocrisy regarding women: “And you think young women warns the audience of the
dingy little back bedroom” ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing potential social disasters of failing
things?” This theme of reversal runs through the structure of to support or help those in need in
(To Gerald) “And you think young women ought to be protected the play. society.
against unpleasant and disturbing things?”
Chain imagery – Goole emphasizes how we are all responsible Inspector Goole serves several
“A girl died tonight. A pretty, lively sort of girl, who never did anybody for each other and Eva’s death was the result of a chain of functions in the play. He acts as the
any harm. But she died in misery and agony- hating life-” events etc. storyteller, linking all the separate
incidents together into one,
“If there’s nothing else we have to share our guilt” Throughout the play, Priestley makes use of dramatic pauses to coherent story. Priestley has him
 build tension. The Inspector uses them to make the other supply dates for events, or fill in
(the young ones) “Are the most impressionable” characters feel uncomfortable and to control the pace. background about the girl. He also
behaves rather like a priest,
“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges” When he begins to reveal who is responsible for the death of someone to whom characters
Eva Smith, his words are quite emphatic and he makes great use confess their sins, helping them to
“You’ve had children. You must have known what she was feeling. And of two short sentences in the imperative ‘Remember that. see the extent of their involvement
you slammed the door in her face” Never forget.’ in the downfall of Eva Smith, and
encouraging them to acknowledge
“And be quiet for a moment and listen to me. I don’t need to know any He alludes to the Bible when he says ‘We are members of one their guilt and repent. While the
more. Neither do you. This girl killed herself- and died a horrible death. body’ to emphasise the Inspector’s belief in human love and Inspector himself does not hand
But each of you helped to kill her. Remember that. Never forget it. (He equality. out forgiveness or punishment,
looks from one to the other of them carefully)But then I don’t think you characters are made to recognise
ever will. Remember what you did” The speech is composed of complex sentences, which are that they must find the courage to
referential (utterances that provide information) and short judge themselves, because only
“But remember this. One Eva Smith has gone- but there are millions sentences that are expressive (utterances that express the then will they have learnt anything
and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with speaker’s feelings). Priestley makes great use of these short and be able to change themselves.
us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of sentence structures in order to deliver his opinions as facts. This
happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say intended effect is to make both the characters and the audience Certainly it seems that Priestley did
and do. We don’t live alone. We are members of one body. We are inspect their own consciences. Furthermore, the use of short not want to promote a single
responsible for each other. And I tell you that the time will soon come sentences symbolises the limit of society, which could still be interpretation of who the
when, if men will not learn that lesson, then they will be taught it in developed by everyone accepting each other. Inspector ‘really’ is. The character’s
fire and blood and anguish. Good night.” dramatic power lies in this. To have
To convey to the Birlings how widespread their actions are, the revealed his identity as a hoaxer or
Inspector uses the extended metaphor of ‘millions of Eva as some kind of ‘spirit’ would have
Smiths and John Smiths’ to represent the number of working- spoilt the unresolved tension that
class men and women who were exploited on a daily basis by is so effective at the end of the
the greed of capitalism. play.

The Inspector’s use of the inclusive pronoun ‘we’ contrast with

the language of Mr and Mrs Birling who normally use ‘I’ as their
primary concern is themselves. The use of ‘we’ further
emphasises Priestley’s ideas of collective responsibility and how
society should be formed.

EVA SMITH Eva’s character is absent from the stage. In many ways she is a counterpoint
to the Inspector. Like him, she
“Two hours ago a young woman died in the Infirmary. She’d been Her character is first introduced by the Inspector – significant as remains a symbolic figure and one
taken there this afternoon because she’d swallowed a lot of strong the working class were supported by very few people in society who carries the weight of the plot.
disinfectant. Burnt her inside out, of course” – namely those concerned with socialism. Priestley uses Eva as a symbol of
the common man or woman and
“Now – about this girl, Eva Smith. I remember her quite well now. She Emotive language used to describe Eva’s death – creates reminds us of our need to take
was a lively good-looking girl – country-bred, I fancy – and she’d been sympathy for her. responsibility for our actions and
working in one of our shops for over a year. A good worker too.” their impact on others.
Imagery of insides – suggests that the abuse Eva experienced
“…and died, after several hours of agony…” was not physical (exception of Eric) but more emotional – a Eva represents ordinary people
reminder to the audience that the damage we do to people is who can be destroyed by
“She was a very pretty girl…that didn’t make it any better.” not always seen at first. indifference when society fails to
grant them the right of basic
“She was young and pretty and warm-hearted- and intensely grateful. I Eva is described in an idealized way – innocent victim, pretty a human dignity.
became at once the most important person in her life- you good worker. In some ways, Priestley presents her as a martyr.
understand?” The lower she sinks in her fortunes, the more honourable and Her connection to the characters in
noble she appears. She refuses to treat others as they have the play is what prompts their
“She was giving herself ridiculous airs…claiming elaborate fine treated her, even though she is in a position to create scandal confessions. She promotes the idea
feelings…that were simply absurd in a girl in her position.” for them all. that we have collective social
responsibility, therefore. Despite
“As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money!” When Eric gave Eva stolen money, she wouldn’t accept it her lower social class and death,
showing that she has strong morals. This hagiographical Eva could be said to have the
“I wasn’t in love with her or anything- but I liked her- she was pretty deification of Eva creates a lack of respect for Eric and further upper hand in the play as she is the
and a good sport-” highlights the corruption of the upper-class. By presenting Eva in one who has shown the others
a positive light Priestley presents his socialist ideas of equality who they really are.
“she didn’t want me to marry her. Said I didn’t love her- and all that. In and equal rights for all.
a way, she treated me- as if I were a kid. Though I was nearly as old as The fact that Eva is presented in a
she was.” highly idealized way which makes
Eva is described in terms of objectification. She is often referred her an unrealistic character – could
“Just used her for the end of a stupid drunken evening, as if she was an to as ‘the girl’, which highlights her youth and innocence. The someone who had suffered so
animal, a thing, not a person.” Inspector also says that Eric treated her like ‘an animal, a thing.’ much be so gracious and forgiving?
Mrs Birling refers to her as ‘that sort’ etc.
“But remember this. One Eva Smith has gone- but there are millions The fact that Eva was pregnant
and millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths still left with suggests that the way we treat
us, with their lives, their hopes and fears, their suffering and chance of people can affect the next
happiness, all intertwined with our lives, and what we think and say generation but also shows how
and do.” hard it was to escape poverty.
EDNA Interestingly, while Priestly explains how the set should be and introduces the Edna is another example of the
characters, Edna is the last to be mentioned: ‘At rise of curtain, the invisible working class and she
“Edna the parlour-maid is just clearing the table” four  Birlings and Gerald are seated at the  table… Edna the parlourmaid, helps to create an impression of
is just clearing the table’. Hierarchy is a key concept within An Inspector the Birling’s wealthy lifestyle.
“Yes Ma’am” Calls. It could be argued that it is what drives the main characters actions.
Priestley immediately establishes that Edna is at the bottom of the Edna illustrates the themes
“Edna’ll answer it” hierarchy and not of any real importance in the eyes of the Birlings and Gerald. of inequality, power, responsibility
He does this by describing her as ‘the parlourmaid’, emphasising and class. 
“Please, sir, an inspector’s called” the fact that she is only seen as her profession; the audience is given no details
about her appearance or personality because they don’t need to know.
“All right, Edna. Show him in here. Give us some more light.”
She provides a contrast to Eva - their names are similar on
“Edna’ll go. I asked her to wait up to make us some tea” purpose - and is the dramatic device which means that the
family do not have to leave the dining room to perform tasks.
They come and go at the behest of the Inspector.

Edna calls him sir. The repeated use of ‘Sir’ when talking to Birling
is a reminder of how stark the class divide was at the beginning of the 20 th
century. He, however, calls her by her Christian name but not out
of friendliness - it is a way of reinforcing that he is the boss and
that she is disposable.

Note that Birling is abrupt with her ‘Don't know him.’ This is not
a conversation and there are no niceties - Birling wants this
exchange to be over quickly so he can get back to his pleasant
evening so he speaks in fragments. He uses unmitigated
imperatives with her: ‘Show him in’ and ‘Give us...’. 

When Edna announces the arrival of the Inspector it is as though

she is heralding in an opportunity for change. It is the people
like Edna who would benefit the most from the Birlings learning
the Inspector’s lesson; her life could improve vastly. Therefore
she is allowed a seldom moment away from her docile
obedience and delivers the Inspector into the room readily,
even stopping the Birlings from finishing their conversation.