Character Analysis

• Who does Mr. Arthur Birling represent in the play?

  Capitalism, arrogance, the older generation
• What is Mr. Arthur Birling's belief regarding business?

  He believes in individualism and profits over people
• How does Mr. Birling's speech about the Titanic serve the narrative?

  It highlights his foolishness through dramatic irony
• What does Mr. Birling refuse to do regarding Eva's death?

  He refuses to take any responsibility
• What does Priestley criticize through Mr. Birling's character?

  Selfish capitalist attitudes and upper class ignorance
• What is a key quote from Mr. Birling?

  “A man has to mind his own business”
• Who does Mrs. Sybil Birling represent in the play?

  Social snobbery, denial, coldness of the upper class
• What is Mrs. Birling's obsession?

  Class and reputation
• Why does Mrs. Birling deny help to Eva?

  She judged Eva to be “impertinent”
• What does Mrs. Birling's character show about the older generation?

  They resist moral development
• How does Priestley use Mrs. Birling's character?

  To highlight the hypocrisy of the upper class
• What is a key quote from Mrs. Birling?

  “I blame the girl herself”
• Who does Sheila Birling represent in the play?

  The younger generation, change, moral awareness
• How does Sheila's character evolve throughout the play?

  She becomes more self-aware and responsible
• What does Sheila urge others to do?

  To accept responsibility and change
• How does Priestley use Sheila's character?

  As a symbol of hope for the future
• What is a key quote from Sheila Birling?

  “These girls aren’t cheap labour – they’re people”
• Who does Eric Birling represent in the play?

  Guilt, inner conflict, potential for change
• What is Eric's emotional state throughout the play?

  He is emotionally unstable and hides problems
• What actions does Eric take regarding Eva?

  He fathered her child and stole money
• How does Eric feel about his actions?

  He deeply regrets them and demands change
• What does Priestley show through Eric's character?

  Even those who err can grow with truth
• What is a key quote from Eric Birling?

  “We did her in all right”
• Who does Gerald Croft represent in the play?

  The privileged middle-ground, hypocrisy, resistance to change
• How is Gerald initially portrayed?

  As charming and polite
• What does Gerald do to Eva/Daisy?

  He uses her and then discards her
• How does Gerald react to the Inspector's authority?

  He tries to undermine it when convenient
• What does Priestley suggest through Gerald's character?

  He accepts blame only when convenient
• What is a key quote from Gerald Croft?

  “I didn’t ask for anything in return”
• Who does Inspector Goole represent in the play?

  Morality, social justice, Priestley’s voice
• How is Inspector Goole characterized?

  As a moral force or supernatural being
• What does Inspector Goole challenge each character to do?

  To reveal their part in Eva's death
• What key message does Inspector Goole deliver?

  We have collective responsibility for each other
• How does Priestley use Inspector Goole in the play?

  To teach the audience a moral lesson
• Who do Eva Smith and Daisy Renton represent?

  The working class, voiceless victims of society
• What is significant about Eva's character?

  Her story is central, though unseen
• What does Eva's common name signify?

  She could represent anyone in society
• How does Priestley use Eva's character?

  To highlight the treatment of the poor
• What is a key quote describing Eva Smith?

  “She had a lot to say – far too much”
• Who does Edna represent in the play?

  The working class, social order, silent suffering