Characters

• Who is the patriarch of the Birling family?

  Arthur Birling
• How is Arthur Birling described in the play?

  As an arrogant and pompous character
• What does Priestley's description of Birling convey about his character?

  His self-indulgence and self-importance
• What is Birling's regional accent indicative of?

  His lower-class status
• What is Birling's obsession revealed through his desire for a knighthood?

  His obsession with public reputation and status
• How does Priestley portray Birling in relation to Inspector Goole's views?

  As a caricature of a Capitalist businessman
• What do Birling's lengthy monologues reveal about his character?

  His self-centredness and arrogance
• What is Birling's belief regarding personal responsibility?

  Everyone should be responsible for themselves
• How does Priestley use dramatic irony in relation to Birling?

  To reveal his short-sightedness and complacency
• What does Birling's optimism for the future indicate about his character?

  It is superficial and self-serving
• How does Birling treat the Inspector?

  He is brusque and dismissive
• How does Birling view his children, Eric and Sheila?

  As foolish and naïve
• What is Birling's reaction to Eva's death?

  He refuses to accept any responsibility
• How does Birling's character remain unchanged by the end of the play?

  He is unwilling to change his beliefs
• How does Birling attempt to limit the damage to himself?

  By distorting or minimizing the truth
• How is Sybil Birling first presented in the play?

  As a rather cold woman
• What does Sybil's demeanor reveal about her character?

  She is snobbish and uncaring
• How does Priestley depict Sybil in relation to the upper classes?

  As a symbol of their privileges and selfishness
• How does Sybil treat the Inspector?

  As socially inferior
• What does Sybil refuse to believe about Eva Smith?

  That Eva would turn down stolen money
• How does Sybil refer to Eva Smith?

  As "the girl"
• What does Sybil's role in the charity reveal about her character?

  It is a symbol of her status, not concern
• How does Sybil react to her son's involvement with Eva?

  She maintains the charity should deny aid
• How does Sybil's behavior appear to an audience?

  As incomprehensible and cold
• What does Sybil do when confronted with her role in Eva's death?

  She insists she did her duty
• How does Sybil react to Eric's problems?

  She refuses to acknowledge them
• How do Sybil and Arthur Birling compare in their attitudes?

  Both are concerned with preserving a façade
• How does Sybil change by the end of the play?

  She remains unchanged and entrenched in prejudice
• What is Eric Birling's initial description in the play?

  He is half shy, half assertive
• How does Eric's character contrast with Gerald's?

  Eric is socially awkward, unlike Gerald
• How does Eric attempt to challenge his parents?

  By expressing his opinions, but struggles
• What role does Eric play in the first two acts?

  He plays a largely insignificant role
• What significant confession does Eric make in Act III?

  His affair with Eva and her pregnancy
• How does Eric's language change during his confession?

  It becomes emotional and accusatory
• How do Eric and Sheila differ from their parents regarding the Inspector?

  They focus on lessons to learn
• How does Eric's treatment of Eva reveal his character?

  He exploited her vulnerability
• What does Eric hint at during his confession?

  Potential for sexual violence
• How does Eric's character develop by the end of the play?

  He becomes more assertive and regretful
• What does Sheila Birling's initial description suggest about her character?

  She is self-interested and naive
• How does Sheila's character develop throughout the play?

  She becomes more sympathetic and assertive