Gerald

• Gerald Croft is Priestley's tool to reveal the flaws of the upper classes
• Gerald represents the aristocracy who in 1912 exploited the working classes, especially working-class women like Eva Smith
• At first, Gerald appears sorry for his behavior towards Eva, providing hope that the upper classes can change and embrace Priestley's message of social responsibility
• However, at the end of the play, he aligns himself with Mr. Birling's capitalist ideas, conveying Priestley's view that the upper classes will always be self-interested and will never change
• When first introduced, Priestley describes Gerald as an easy, well-bred young man about town, establishing him as a member of a privileged elite class used to a life of leisure
• The phrase "man-about-town" implies that Gerald is a fashionable socialite with experience in the ways of the world, prioritizing himself, his appearance, and his needs over helping others
• Gerald's privileged appearance and demeanor would have confirmed communist beliefs about the lazy wealthy elite living a life of privilege at the expense of the poor
• Priestley reveals that Gerald's parents, Lord and Lady Croft, are unable to attend his engagement party, confirming Gerald's role as a member of the upper classes
• Gerald's engagement to Sheila is suspected to have business-focused reasons, aligning himself with Mr. Birling in business matters
• Gerald initially denies knowing Eva Smith and shows a dismissive attitude towards her situation, positioning himself as superior
• Gerald objectifies women, including Eva Smith, viewing them as commodities rather than individuals
• When the Inspector uncovers Gerald's affair with Eva, Gerald shows some genuine remorse and self-blame, evoking sympathy from the audience
• However, Gerald fails to align himself with the Inspector's views of social responsibility, choosing to protect himself and his wealth instead
• In the end, Gerald learns nothing from the events and refuses to reflect upon his treatment of Eva, showing no growth as a character
• Priestley uses Gerald to present the aristocracy as self-interested individuals who prioritize preserving wealth for the next generation over social responsibility