Eric Birling

• "Why shouldn't they try for higher wages? we try for the highest possible prices"

  becomes increasingly sardonic when he begins to question ethics behind capitalism and the dehumanising treatment of the lower class
• "half shy half assertive"


  suggests he is a weak and lonely figure
• "Your not the kind of father a chap could go to when hes in trouble"


  neglected by his father from a young age
• "I was in that state when a chap easily turns nasty"


  his emotional outburst suggests he recognises his part in the tragedy

  admits he acted without the thought of consequences