An Inspector Calls Act Summary and Character Profiles
Acts Summary of Act and Key Key Quotes
Events
1 The Birling Family are Stage directions/Setting:
celebrating Sheila's Includes Character Overviews
engagement to Gerald
Croft.Shelia suspects Gerald [The lighting should be pink and intimate until the Inspector arrives, and then it
was not loyal to her last should be brighter and harder]
summer.Arthur gives a speech Pink and intimate shows a comfortable manner until the inspector arrives which
to Eric and Gerald about could metaphorically shine a light on the Birlings-illuminating the reality behind
business.He says that every the Birlings.
man should look after It create a facade of stability and comfort which is a reflection of the Birlings
himself.An inspector arrives illusion of security and control.This is shifted to [brighter and harder] symbolising
and says that a woman has how the Inspectoris about to dismantle their privileged world view and expose
taken her own life by drinking the fragility of their morality
disinfectant.Arthur Birling
sacked Eva from his factory for Use of Props:In the opening of An Inspector Calls, the props and setting are
striking in protest against low meticulously chosen to symbolize the Birling family's social status, their
wages .Sheila had asked for Eva worldview, and the dramatic journey they are about to undertake. The use of
to be sacked from a props, combined with the stage directions, plays a key role in foreshadowing and
department store last emphasizing Priestley’s themes.
year.Finally the inspector The dining table, adorned with champagne glasses and decanter, represents the
reveals that Eva smith had Birlings’ wealth and upper-class lifestyle. It is a symbol of their material success
changed her name to Daisy and the social rituals they prioritize, such as Sheila's engagement dinner.
Renton to which Gerald These props reflect the capitalist mindset of the family, particularly Mr. Birling,
appears shocked and leaves the whose focus on business prosperity and social status overshadows moral
room. considerations.
Cigars brought out by Mr. Birling symbolises his self-importance and the
patriarchal values of the time.
Mr. Birling offers port to Gerald is emblematic of traditional upper-class etiquette
and his effort to impress Gerald.
The furniture is described as "substantial and heavily comfortable, but not
cosy and homelike." This reflects the Birlings’ focus on materialism and
appearances rather than warmth or emotional connection. The props reinforce
the artificial stability of their world, which the Inspector will dismantle.
Arthur Birling [ heavy looking,rather portentous man] self important or
bombastic.It also creates a sense of his insatiable need to command the
attention of those around him. ‘Heavy looking’ has connotations of stability and
burdening others. [rather provincial in his speech] he is not working class and is
nouveau riche.He is a construct of a patriarchal, misogynistic and capitalist
society. He embodies the ignorance of Capitalism.He is one dimensional link to
Karl marx das kapital ‘lower costs, higher prices’. Priestley uses the character of
Mr. Birling to critique capitalism and to reveal cycles of oppression caused by
social divisions.
Mr Birling is myeopic who represents the older generations avarice.Mr Birling
remains obdurate in his beliefs
Mrs Birling [ a rather cold woman ]This juxtaposes the ‘pink and intimate’
lighting that creates warmth-instead she is ‘rather cold’ implying the nature of
the Birlings may be artificial .
Sheila [pleased with life and rather excited].This initial portrayal develops as she
gains maturity as the play progresses(after Eva’s suicide).Sheila being [rather
excited] shows she is receptive to the Inspectors message and evolves as a
character.She takes on the role of the Inspectors proxy upon his departure by
continuing to reject her parents views.’Sheila’ is celtic for bllind/heavenly one.It
could metaphorically mean she is blind to the lower classes.
, Gerald Croft [too manly to be a dandy] [man about town] Euphemism for being
well known-popular (womaniser)
Gerald= german for spear.He spears Evas heart
Croft= an enclosure-he is closed off to other people(especially those inferior to
him.He represents the sin of pride,lust and sloth(does not act upon his
responsibility).He is from aristocracy.He has a philandering nature (not
committed)
Eric [half shy, half assertive]. This could metaphorically represent that Eric is
neither fully capitalist nor representing the younger generation as he is [half shy,
half assertive].
Eva-She is the antithesis of Sheila.Eva and Shelia are both women in their early
20s who are ‘pretty’.Therefore as a result of a patriarchal and capitalist society a
divide between the poor and the rich is evident.Eva is marginalised by society on
the other hand Sheila (apart of capitalism) is the reason for Evas
marginalisation.Sheila is a product of capitalism, which she embodies typical
traits such as materialism compared to Priestley's portrayal of the lower and
suppressed classes through Eva Smith. Priestley uses the construct of Eva’s
plight(situation) as a microcosm of the broader issues within society faced by
working class.Priestley uses Eva’s character to show the interconnectedness of
society and the impact of individual actions on other people's lives.Her absence
on stage represents the invisibility of the working/lower classes and it shows their
lack of voice in a society dominated by the wealthy and powerful.The removal of
her voice from the play highlights her inability to defend herself or challenge the
advances of me.The dehumanisation of Eva is huge.
Eva smith=’Eve’ is the first woman who is tempted by the corruption of Gerald
and Eric (snake).It links to how greed leads both to ruin. ‘Smith’ is a common
working class name so therefore she represents every woman
Daisy Renton = ‘daisy’ has connotations of freshness and purity.It also represents
motherhood-unborn child will die. ‘Renton’ she is hired/payed for prostitution-
link to Gerald ‘install’ ‘business’
Inspector:
‘Plain darkish suit’ He has no intention of materialistic desire-genuine.His
purpose is to promote socialist views and denounce the superficiality of
capitalism.It juxtaposes ‘substantial’ of Mr Birling showing socialism outshines
capitalism
‘Speaks carefully, weightily’ adjectives evidence of the impact of the Inspector’s
moral message.’ ‘Carefully’ juxtaposes Mr Birlings speech as his speech is diluted
with dashes and hesitations.
The inspector is a vehicle to catalyse change in perceptions of responsibility. He
encourages the younger generation to break away from the obdurate older
generation.
The Inspector takes on the role of an omniscient, spiritual avenging angel.
Priestley uses the Inspector as a vehicle to catalyse change in perceptions of
responsibility as socialist views and ideology are channelled through the
Inspector.
Character Key quotes in Chronological order:
Sheila ‘Mummy’ she is infantilised showing the superiority of Mrs Birling
Edna ‘Yes ma’am’ Edna is obedient showing respect for the hierarchy and
capitalist society
Birling [beams at them and clearly relaxes] showing he is proud and has social
status and perhaps is overconfident.
Birling ‘Tell cook from me’ no manners or etiquette who is corrected by
Mrs Birling in a [reproachful] manner ‘you’re not to say such things-’.This could
Acts Summary of Act and Key Key Quotes
Events
1 The Birling Family are Stage directions/Setting:
celebrating Sheila's Includes Character Overviews
engagement to Gerald
Croft.Shelia suspects Gerald [The lighting should be pink and intimate until the Inspector arrives, and then it
was not loyal to her last should be brighter and harder]
summer.Arthur gives a speech Pink and intimate shows a comfortable manner until the inspector arrives which
to Eric and Gerald about could metaphorically shine a light on the Birlings-illuminating the reality behind
business.He says that every the Birlings.
man should look after It create a facade of stability and comfort which is a reflection of the Birlings
himself.An inspector arrives illusion of security and control.This is shifted to [brighter and harder] symbolising
and says that a woman has how the Inspectoris about to dismantle their privileged world view and expose
taken her own life by drinking the fragility of their morality
disinfectant.Arthur Birling
sacked Eva from his factory for Use of Props:In the opening of An Inspector Calls, the props and setting are
striking in protest against low meticulously chosen to symbolize the Birling family's social status, their
wages .Sheila had asked for Eva worldview, and the dramatic journey they are about to undertake. The use of
to be sacked from a props, combined with the stage directions, plays a key role in foreshadowing and
department store last emphasizing Priestley’s themes.
year.Finally the inspector The dining table, adorned with champagne glasses and decanter, represents the
reveals that Eva smith had Birlings’ wealth and upper-class lifestyle. It is a symbol of their material success
changed her name to Daisy and the social rituals they prioritize, such as Sheila's engagement dinner.
Renton to which Gerald These props reflect the capitalist mindset of the family, particularly Mr. Birling,
appears shocked and leaves the whose focus on business prosperity and social status overshadows moral
room. considerations.
Cigars brought out by Mr. Birling symbolises his self-importance and the
patriarchal values of the time.
Mr. Birling offers port to Gerald is emblematic of traditional upper-class etiquette
and his effort to impress Gerald.
The furniture is described as "substantial and heavily comfortable, but not
cosy and homelike." This reflects the Birlings’ focus on materialism and
appearances rather than warmth or emotional connection. The props reinforce
the artificial stability of their world, which the Inspector will dismantle.
Arthur Birling [ heavy looking,rather portentous man] self important or
bombastic.It also creates a sense of his insatiable need to command the
attention of those around him. ‘Heavy looking’ has connotations of stability and
burdening others. [rather provincial in his speech] he is not working class and is
nouveau riche.He is a construct of a patriarchal, misogynistic and capitalist
society. He embodies the ignorance of Capitalism.He is one dimensional link to
Karl marx das kapital ‘lower costs, higher prices’. Priestley uses the character of
Mr. Birling to critique capitalism and to reveal cycles of oppression caused by
social divisions.
Mr Birling is myeopic who represents the older generations avarice.Mr Birling
remains obdurate in his beliefs
Mrs Birling [ a rather cold woman ]This juxtaposes the ‘pink and intimate’
lighting that creates warmth-instead she is ‘rather cold’ implying the nature of
the Birlings may be artificial .
Sheila [pleased with life and rather excited].This initial portrayal develops as she
gains maturity as the play progresses(after Eva’s suicide).Sheila being [rather
excited] shows she is receptive to the Inspectors message and evolves as a
character.She takes on the role of the Inspectors proxy upon his departure by
continuing to reject her parents views.’Sheila’ is celtic for bllind/heavenly one.It
could metaphorically mean she is blind to the lower classes.
, Gerald Croft [too manly to be a dandy] [man about town] Euphemism for being
well known-popular (womaniser)
Gerald= german for spear.He spears Evas heart
Croft= an enclosure-he is closed off to other people(especially those inferior to
him.He represents the sin of pride,lust and sloth(does not act upon his
responsibility).He is from aristocracy.He has a philandering nature (not
committed)
Eric [half shy, half assertive]. This could metaphorically represent that Eric is
neither fully capitalist nor representing the younger generation as he is [half shy,
half assertive].
Eva-She is the antithesis of Sheila.Eva and Shelia are both women in their early
20s who are ‘pretty’.Therefore as a result of a patriarchal and capitalist society a
divide between the poor and the rich is evident.Eva is marginalised by society on
the other hand Sheila (apart of capitalism) is the reason for Evas
marginalisation.Sheila is a product of capitalism, which she embodies typical
traits such as materialism compared to Priestley's portrayal of the lower and
suppressed classes through Eva Smith. Priestley uses the construct of Eva’s
plight(situation) as a microcosm of the broader issues within society faced by
working class.Priestley uses Eva’s character to show the interconnectedness of
society and the impact of individual actions on other people's lives.Her absence
on stage represents the invisibility of the working/lower classes and it shows their
lack of voice in a society dominated by the wealthy and powerful.The removal of
her voice from the play highlights her inability to defend herself or challenge the
advances of me.The dehumanisation of Eva is huge.
Eva smith=’Eve’ is the first woman who is tempted by the corruption of Gerald
and Eric (snake).It links to how greed leads both to ruin. ‘Smith’ is a common
working class name so therefore she represents every woman
Daisy Renton = ‘daisy’ has connotations of freshness and purity.It also represents
motherhood-unborn child will die. ‘Renton’ she is hired/payed for prostitution-
link to Gerald ‘install’ ‘business’
Inspector:
‘Plain darkish suit’ He has no intention of materialistic desire-genuine.His
purpose is to promote socialist views and denounce the superficiality of
capitalism.It juxtaposes ‘substantial’ of Mr Birling showing socialism outshines
capitalism
‘Speaks carefully, weightily’ adjectives evidence of the impact of the Inspector’s
moral message.’ ‘Carefully’ juxtaposes Mr Birlings speech as his speech is diluted
with dashes and hesitations.
The inspector is a vehicle to catalyse change in perceptions of responsibility. He
encourages the younger generation to break away from the obdurate older
generation.
The Inspector takes on the role of an omniscient, spiritual avenging angel.
Priestley uses the Inspector as a vehicle to catalyse change in perceptions of
responsibility as socialist views and ideology are channelled through the
Inspector.
Character Key quotes in Chronological order:
Sheila ‘Mummy’ she is infantilised showing the superiority of Mrs Birling
Edna ‘Yes ma’am’ Edna is obedient showing respect for the hierarchy and
capitalist society
Birling [beams at them and clearly relaxes] showing he is proud and has social
status and perhaps is overconfident.
Birling ‘Tell cook from me’ no manners or etiquette who is corrected by
Mrs Birling in a [reproachful] manner ‘you’re not to say such things-’.This could
