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H
heather
10/12/2025
English Literature
GCSE AQA English Literature "An Inspector Calls" characters with quotation analysis
58
•
10 Dec 2025
•
AQA GCSE English Literature 'An Inspector Calls': Character Quotations and Analysis
H
heather
@heatherwu
1 / 6
Mr and Mrs Birling: The Old Guard
Mr Birling is basically everything Priestley wants you to hate about capitalism. His famous line "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" shows he couldn't care less about his workers or community. The repetition of "his" and "himself" hammers home how selfish he is.
When he talks about "lower costs and higher prices," Priestley's using juxtaposition to show how the working class gets exploited whilst the rich get richer. Mr Birling literally celebrates his daughter's engagement because it'll help his business - family means nothing compared to profit.
The "unsinkable" Titanic reference is dramatic irony at its finest. You know the ship sank, so you immediately distrust everything he says. Priestley's basically telling you that capitalism will sink just like the Titanic when the Inspector (the metaphorical iceberg) arrives.
Mrs Birling is just as bad but in a different way. She's obsessed with social class and has zero empathy for anyone beneath her. When the Inspector says "you must have known what she was feeling," the repetition of "you" forces her to face her cruel actions towards Eva Smith.
Quick Tip: Remember that both Birlings represent the older generation's refusal to change - perfect exam material for comparing generational attitudes!
Mrs Birling's Prejudice and Sheila's Awakening
Mrs Birling's phrase "girls of that class" is absolutely loaded with prejudice. She uses "girls" to make working-class women sound immature and weak, whilst "that class" treats them like they're barely human. It's properly grim when you think about it.
Her belief that Eva can't have "fine feelings" because of her social position shows how twisted her worldview is. The alliteration in "fine feelings" makes her sound sarcastic and cruel - she genuinely thinks poor people can't have proper emotions.
Sheila starts off just as bad but she's willing to change. Her line "these girls aren't cheap labour... they're people" shows she's beginning to see the injustice. Yes, she still says "these girls" (keeping that distance), but at least she recognises they're human beings.
Sheila's honesty about firing Eva because "she was very pretty" reveals how insecurity and class anxiety work together. She admits she wouldn't have bothered if Eva was "plain" - showing how women were judged purely on looks and saw each other as competition for male attention.
Exam Focus: Sheila's character development from selfish to responsible is perfect for questions about how characters change throughout the play.
Gerald and Eric: Complex Masculinity
Gerald represents the upper-class man who thinks he can use his privilege without consequences. His admission "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me" is brutally honest - he knew Eva loved him more but carried on anyway because he could.
His description of "hard-eyed dough-faced women" shows his superficial view of women. He reduces them to objects valued only for their appearance, completely missing that their "hard" exterior comes from the tough lives they've been forced to live.
Eric might be the most complex character here. Unlike his parents, he actually grows throughout the play. His angry question "The girl's still dead, isn't she?" cuts through all the family's excuses and denial. That rhetorical question forces everyone to face the reality of Eva's death.
Eric's drinking problem and aggressive behaviour when he "threatened to make a row" shows the dark side of upper-class masculinity. He took advantage of Eva's vulnerable position, but unlike Gerald, he was prepared to marry her - suggesting some sense of responsibility.
Character Analysis: Eric represents hope for change in the younger generation, making him crucial for essays about social responsibility and generational conflict.
The Inspector: Voice of Social Justice
The Inspector is Priestley's mouthpiece for socialist values and social responsibility. He's not just investigating a death - he's putting the entire capitalist system on trial.
His famous speech about being "members of one body" uses religious imagery to show that society should work together as one unit. The collective pronoun "we" emphasises that social responsibility affects everyone, not just individuals.
The warning about "fire and blood and anguish" if people don't learn their lesson is properly ominous. Priestley's using a tricolon with war imagery to suggest that ignoring social problems will lead to conflict and suffering - pretty prophetic considering the World Wars that followed.
The Inspector's omniscient knowledge (he seems to know everything) and moral authority make him almost godlike. He forces each character to confess their sins and face the consequences of their actions.
Essay Gold: The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist ideals and serves as the moral compass of the entire play - essential for any question about themes or Priestley's message.
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Most popular content: Character Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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Stefan S
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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
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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
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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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
AQA GCSE English Literature 'An Inspector Calls': Character Quotations and Analysis
H
heather
@heatherwu
Right, let's break down the key characters from An Inspector Callsand what they actually represent in Priestley's world. You'll be analysing these characters in your exams, so understanding their motivations and the language techniques Priestley uses is absolutely crucial... Show more
Mr and Mrs Birling: The Old Guard
Mr Birling is basically everything Priestley wants you to hate about capitalism. His famous line "a man has to mind his own business and look after himself" shows he couldn't care less about his workers or community. The repetition of "his" and "himself" hammers home how selfish he is.
When he talks about "lower costs and higher prices," Priestley's using juxtaposition to show how the working class gets exploited whilst the rich get richer. Mr Birling literally celebrates his daughter's engagement because it'll help his business - family means nothing compared to profit.
The "unsinkable" Titanic reference is dramatic irony at its finest. You know the ship sank, so you immediately distrust everything he says. Priestley's basically telling you that capitalism will sink just like the Titanic when the Inspector (the metaphorical iceberg) arrives.
Mrs Birling is just as bad but in a different way. She's obsessed with social class and has zero empathy for anyone beneath her. When the Inspector says "you must have known what she was feeling," the repetition of "you" forces her to face her cruel actions towards Eva Smith.
Quick Tip: Remember that both Birlings represent the older generation's refusal to change - perfect exam material for comparing generational attitudes!
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Mrs Birling's Prejudice and Sheila's Awakening
Mrs Birling's phrase "girls of that class" is absolutely loaded with prejudice. She uses "girls" to make working-class women sound immature and weak, whilst "that class" treats them like they're barely human. It's properly grim when you think about it.
Her belief that Eva can't have "fine feelings" because of her social position shows how twisted her worldview is. The alliteration in "fine feelings" makes her sound sarcastic and cruel - she genuinely thinks poor people can't have proper emotions.
Sheila starts off just as bad but she's willing to change. Her line "these girls aren't cheap labour... they're people" shows she's beginning to see the injustice. Yes, she still says "these girls" (keeping that distance), but at least she recognises they're human beings.
Sheila's honesty about firing Eva because "she was very pretty" reveals how insecurity and class anxiety work together. She admits she wouldn't have bothered if Eva was "plain" - showing how women were judged purely on looks and saw each other as competition for male attention.
Exam Focus: Sheila's character development from selfish to responsible is perfect for questions about how characters change throughout the play.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Gerald and Eric: Complex Masculinity
Gerald represents the upper-class man who thinks he can use his privilege without consequences. His admission "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me" is brutally honest - he knew Eva loved him more but carried on anyway because he could.
His description of "hard-eyed dough-faced women" shows his superficial view of women. He reduces them to objects valued only for their appearance, completely missing that their "hard" exterior comes from the tough lives they've been forced to live.
Eric might be the most complex character here. Unlike his parents, he actually grows throughout the play. His angry question "The girl's still dead, isn't she?" cuts through all the family's excuses and denial. That rhetorical question forces everyone to face the reality of Eva's death.
Eric's drinking problem and aggressive behaviour when he "threatened to make a row" shows the dark side of upper-class masculinity. He took advantage of Eva's vulnerable position, but unlike Gerald, he was prepared to marry her - suggesting some sense of responsibility.
Character Analysis: Eric represents hope for change in the younger generation, making him crucial for essays about social responsibility and generational conflict.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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The Inspector: Voice of Social Justice
The Inspector is Priestley's mouthpiece for socialist values and social responsibility. He's not just investigating a death - he's putting the entire capitalist system on trial.
His famous speech about being "members of one body" uses religious imagery to show that society should work together as one unit. The collective pronoun "we" emphasises that social responsibility affects everyone, not just individuals.
The warning about "fire and blood and anguish" if people don't learn their lesson is properly ominous. Priestley's using a tricolon with war imagery to suggest that ignoring social problems will lead to conflict and suffering - pretty prophetic considering the World Wars that followed.
The Inspector's omniscient knowledge (he seems to know everything) and moral authority make him almost godlike. He forces each character to confess their sins and face the consequences of their actions.
Essay Gold: The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist ideals and serves as the moral compass of the entire play - essential for any question about themes or Priestley's message.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
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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.
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Most popular content: Character Analysis
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
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