Eric Birling

• Eric is the Birlings' son and is in his early twenties
• Described as 'not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive', indicating a lack of confidence
• Tries to stand up to his father but is talked down
• Eric is drunk at the dinner table and has been drinking too much for quite some time
• Had an affair with Eva Smith and she was pregnant with his baby when she committed suicide
• Stole money from his father's business to help Eva
• In the final act, Eric makes an emotional attack on his parents and their values, showing assertiveness
• At the start of the play, Eric is very unsure of himself
• He tries to speak up but is often talked down by his father
• His behaviour is described as awkward and stilted
• Stage directions describe Eric as 'half shy, half assertive'
• Eric can be assertive as well, as shown when he questions his father's decision to sack Eva Smith
• He argues for higher wages for workers and questions the unfairness of Eva being sacked
• Eric experiences great emotional turmoil after interacting with the Inspector
• He bursts out emotionally, questioning why others are pretending nothing has happened when Eva is still dead
• Eric is distressed and understands the gravity of the situation, unlike some other characters