"An Inspector Calls" is a gripping mystery drama where one... Show more
Biology
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
207
•
29 Dec 2025
•
Inspector Calls Plot Summary Notes
I
Itz Gamer Al 123
@itzgameral123_tyei
1 / 3
The Inspector Arrives and Mr Birling's Guilt
Picture this: you're celebrating an engagement when a police inspector shows up with devastating news. That's exactly what happens to the Birling family when Inspector Goole arrives to investigate Eva Smith's suicide. She died by drinking disinfectant, and somehow, this wealthy family is involved.
Mr Birling quickly becomes the first suspect. It turns out he had Eva sacked from his factory simply because she joined a strike asking for better pay. Even when the Inspector suggests this could have started a deadly chain of events, Mr Birling refuses to accept any responsibility. His attitude reveals a lot about his character - he's more concerned about protecting his reputation than acknowledging his role in someone's suffering.
The play's opening gives us major clues that Mr Birling isn't trustworthy. He confidently predicts that war will never happen and the Titanic is unsinkable - predictions that audiences in 1945 knew were completely wrong. This immediately signals that his judgement is seriously flawed.
Key insight: Priestley deliberately makes Mr Birling wrong about historical events to show audiences that his views about social responsibility are equally misguided.
Family Secrets Exposed
The investigation takes a personal turn when Sheila Birling discovers her own shocking connection to Eva. After being fired from the factory, Eva found work at Milwards department store - until Sheila complained about her. Sheila thought Eva was mocking her when she tried on an unflattering dress, so she had her fired. Unlike her father, Sheila immediately feels genuine remorse and shame.
Then comes the biggest revelation yet: Gerald Croft had been having an affair with Eva (who called herself Daisy Renton) during the previous summer. This explains why he'd been distant from Sheila. Gerald had rescued Daisy from a difficult situation and provided her with money and accommodation, but when he ended the relationship, she was heartbroken.
Mrs Birling's involvement proves especially cruel. As a member of a women's charity, she was Daisy's last hope when she arrived pregnant and desperate for help. But Mrs Birling turned her away, partly because Daisy had used the surname "Birling" - something that offended her pride.
Remember: Each family member represents a different aspect of how the upper classes failed the working class in Edwardian society.
The Shocking Truth and Twist Ending
The final piece of the puzzle is the most disturbing. Eric Birling admits he got Eva pregnant after meeting her during a drunken night out. His confession reveals he'd pressured her into sleeping with him and later stole money from his father's business to help support her. Eva refused the money once she discovered it was stolen, leaving her completely desperate.
After the Inspector delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility and leaves, the family makes a stunning discovery. There's no Inspector Goole on the police force, and no record of any girl dying from disinfectant at the local infirmary. Gerald suggests they might have been talking about different girls entirely - that the whole evening was an elaborate trick.
While Mr and Mrs Birling celebrate their apparent escape from scandal, Eric and Sheila understand the real point: it doesn't matter whether the Inspector was real or not. Their actions were still wrong, and they still caused harm to vulnerable people.
The play ends with a brilliant twist - just as Mr Birling is mocking the Inspector, the phone rings. A girl really has just died from drinking disinfectant, and a real police inspector is on their way to investigate.
The message: Whether the first Inspector was supernatural, a hoaxer, or something else entirely, the family's guilt remains real - and now they'll face the consequences all over again.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Inspector Calls Plot Summary Notes
I
Itz Gamer Al 123
@itzgameral123_tyei
"An Inspector Calls" is a gripping mystery drama where one family's secrets unravel during a single evening. When Inspector Goole arrives to investigate a young woman's suicide, the wealthy Birling family discovers they're all connected to her tragic death in... Show more
The Inspector Arrives and Mr Birling's Guilt
Picture this: you're celebrating an engagement when a police inspector shows up with devastating news. That's exactly what happens to the Birling family when Inspector Goole arrives to investigate Eva Smith's suicide. She died by drinking disinfectant, and somehow, this wealthy family is involved.
Mr Birling quickly becomes the first suspect. It turns out he had Eva sacked from his factory simply because she joined a strike asking for better pay. Even when the Inspector suggests this could have started a deadly chain of events, Mr Birling refuses to accept any responsibility. His attitude reveals a lot about his character - he's more concerned about protecting his reputation than acknowledging his role in someone's suffering.
The play's opening gives us major clues that Mr Birling isn't trustworthy. He confidently predicts that war will never happen and the Titanic is unsinkable - predictions that audiences in 1945 knew were completely wrong. This immediately signals that his judgement is seriously flawed.
Key insight: Priestley deliberately makes Mr Birling wrong about historical events to show audiences that his views about social responsibility are equally misguided.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Family Secrets Exposed
The investigation takes a personal turn when Sheila Birling discovers her own shocking connection to Eva. After being fired from the factory, Eva found work at Milwards department store - until Sheila complained about her. Sheila thought Eva was mocking her when she tried on an unflattering dress, so she had her fired. Unlike her father, Sheila immediately feels genuine remorse and shame.
Then comes the biggest revelation yet: Gerald Croft had been having an affair with Eva (who called herself Daisy Renton) during the previous summer. This explains why he'd been distant from Sheila. Gerald had rescued Daisy from a difficult situation and provided her with money and accommodation, but when he ended the relationship, she was heartbroken.
Mrs Birling's involvement proves especially cruel. As a member of a women's charity, she was Daisy's last hope when she arrived pregnant and desperate for help. But Mrs Birling turned her away, partly because Daisy had used the surname "Birling" - something that offended her pride.
Remember: Each family member represents a different aspect of how the upper classes failed the working class in Edwardian society.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Shocking Truth and Twist Ending
The final piece of the puzzle is the most disturbing. Eric Birling admits he got Eva pregnant after meeting her during a drunken night out. His confession reveals he'd pressured her into sleeping with him and later stole money from his father's business to help support her. Eva refused the money once she discovered it was stolen, leaving her completely desperate.
After the Inspector delivers a powerful speech about social responsibility and leaves, the family makes a stunning discovery. There's no Inspector Goole on the police force, and no record of any girl dying from disinfectant at the local infirmary. Gerald suggests they might have been talking about different girls entirely - that the whole evening was an elaborate trick.
While Mr and Mrs Birling celebrate their apparent escape from scandal, Eric and Sheila understand the real point: it doesn't matter whether the Inspector was real or not. Their actions were still wrong, and they still caused harm to vulnerable people.
The play ends with a brilliant twist - just as Mr Birling is mocking the Inspector, the phone rings. A girl really has just died from drinking disinfectant, and a real police inspector is on their way to investigate.
The message: Whether the first Inspector was supernatural, a hoaxer, or something else entirely, the family's guilt remains real - and now they'll face the consequences all over again.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
10
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Othello's Handkerchief Symbolism
Explore the intricate symbolism of the handkerchief in Act 3, Scene 4 of Shakespeare's Othello. This analysis delves into themes of race, gender, and the supernatural, highlighting how Othello's perception of Desdemona's fidelity is manipulated by Iago. Understand the societal implications of interracial relationships and the tragic consequences of jealousy and deceit. This essay provides critical insights into the text's exploration of loyalty, innocence, and the destructive power of societal norms.
English Literature12
Mr Birling Character Analysis
Explore the character of Mr Birling from J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This detailed profile includes a summary of his role, key themes such as capitalism and selfishness, significant quotes, and adjectives that define his character. Ideal for students studying the play, this resource highlights Birling's impact on the narrative and his representation of greedy businessmen.
English Literature9
Gerald Croft Analysis
Explore the character of Gerald Croft in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This analysis delves into his relationships, class privilege, and gender dynamics, highlighting key quotes and their implications. Understand how Gerald's actions reflect societal attitudes towards responsibility and the treatment of women. Ideal for literature students studying character development and thematic elements.
English Literature10
Themes in A Christmas Carol
Explore the key themes of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', including family, poverty, time, and redemption. This summary highlights the characters such as Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and the ghosts of Christmas, illustrating Dickens' messages about the importance of love, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas. Ideal for students studying literature and character analysis.
English Literature11
An Inspector Calls: Character Insights
Explore 15 pivotal quotations from 'An Inspector Calls' with in-depth analysis of key characters including Gerald, Sheila, Eric, and the Inspector. This resource highlights themes of social responsibility, class differences, and gender inequalities, providing essential context for understanding Priestley's critique of early 20th-century society.
English Literature10
Mrs. Birling Analysis
Explore the character of Mrs. Birling from J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This profile includes a detailed summary, her societal role, key themes of social responsibility and morality, and significant quotes that highlight her prejudiced nature. Ideal for students studying character dynamics and social commentary in literature.
English Literature9
Most popular content: An Inspector Calls
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user