Character Analysis: Mr Birling's Arrogance and Dismissive Nature

Ever wondered why some characters make your skin crawl? Mr Birling is capitalism personified - he cares more about his business profits than his workers' lives. When he says "for lower costs and higher prices," Priestley shows us exactly what type of man he is: someone who prioritises money over people's welfare.

Priestley describes him as a "heavy looking, rather portentous man" right from the start. This immediately tells the audience he's pompous and self-important. The word "portentous" suggests he thinks he's significant and wise, but we quickly learn he's actually quite foolish.

His treatment of Gerald reveals his domineering personality and desperate social climbing. When he says "you ought to like this port, Gerald," he's showing off his wealth (port was expensive) whilst trying to impress someone from a higher social class. It's quite pathetic, really.

Key Point: Priestley uses Mr Birling to represent the selfish attitudes of the wealthy that led to social problems in early 1900s Britain.