Characters

• Who are the main characters in An Inspector Calls?

  The Birling family, Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole
• What is the purpose of Inspector Goole's investigation?

  To teach each character a lesson
• Who is Eva Smith also known as?

  • Daisy Renton
• Why is Eva Smith significant in the play?

  She represents the lower classes and their struggles
• What role does Edna play in An Inspector Calls?

  She is the Birlings' maid
• How does Edna contribute to the story?

  She reminds the Birlings of their wealth and class
• What does Edna's background signify in relation to Eva Smith?

  It highlights the connection between the classes
• Who is Sheila Birling engaged to?

  Gerald Croft
• What is the relationship between Eric Birling and Sheila Birling?

  They are siblings
• What is the significance of the character Inspector Goole?

  He conducts the investigation into Eva's death
• What does the investigation by Inspector Goole reveal about the Birlings?

  It exposes their moral failings and responsibilities
• How does the character of Gerald Croft fit into the Birling family dynamic?

  He is Sheila's fiancé and part of the family dinner
• What is the setting of An Inspector Calls?

  A dinner at the Birling family's home
• How does the play An Inspector Calls address social class issues?

  Through the interactions between characters of different classes
• What themes are explored in An Inspector Calls?

  Social responsibility, class, and morality
• Who are the main characters in An Inspector Calls?

  The Birling family, Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole
• What is the purpose of the Inspector's investigation in An Inspector Calls?

  • To teach each character a lesson
  • To reveal their moral failings
  • To highlight social responsibility
• Who is the head of the Birling household?

  1. Arthur Birling
• How has Mr. Birling made his wealth?

  By being a hard-headed businessman
• What does Mr. Birling's arrogance reveal about his character?

  He believes he knows the future accurately
• What predictions does Mr. Birling make at the start of the play?

  That war will never happen and Titanic is unsinkable
• What does Mr. Birling think about the possibility of war?

  He believes there isn't a chance of war
• How does the audience perceive Mr. Birling's predictions?

  They see him as wrong and lose trust in him
• What are Mr. Birling's views on women?

  He has old-fashioned and patronising views
• How does Mr. Birling objectify women?

  By suggesting clothes are more important to them
• What is Mr. Birling's main concern as a businessman?

  Making money
• How does Mr. Birling view his daughter's engagement?

  As a chance for lower costs and higher prices
• What does Mr. Birling's possessiveness indicate about his character?

  He sees people as possessions
• How does Mr. Birling refer to his wife during the Inspector's questioning?

  As 'my wife'
• What social and historical context is relevant to An Inspector Calls?

  • Written after World War Two in 1945
  • No welfare support for the poor at that time
  • J.B. Priestley believed in socialism
  • Mr. Birling represents greedy businessmen
• How does Mr. Birling justify keeping labor costs down?

  He claims it's his duty as a businessman
• What does Mr. Birling's statement about labor costs reveal about his character?

  He prioritizes profits over employee welfare
• How does Mr. Birling respond to the Inspector's questions?

  He dismisses them and answers himself
• What does Mr. Birling mean by "It's a free country"?

  He implies workers can find jobs elsewhere
• How does Mr. Birling's perspective on the labor market reflect his character?

  It shows his lack of empathy for the poor
• Who are the main characters in An Inspector Calls?

  The Birling family, Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole
• What is the purpose of the Inspector's investigation in An Inspector Calls?

  • To teach each character a lesson
  • To reveal their moral failings
  • To highlight social responsibility
• What is Mrs. Sybil Birling's character like?

  Cold-hearted and snobbish
• How does Mrs. Birling view her children during dinner?

  She sees them as children, not adults
• What does Mrs. Birling's cold nature lead to in the play?

  Her downfall as the Inspector exposes her