Meet the key characters from J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls"... Show more
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30 Nov 2025
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Character Mind Maps for An Inspector Calls
S
saoirse
@saoirse_zoyp
1 / 6
Mr Birling - The Stubborn Capitalist
Arthur Birling is everything wrong with early 20th-century capitalism rolled into one character. He's the wealthy factory owner who puts profit before people, dismissing Eva Smith from his company when she dared ask for a fair wage.
His arrogance and narrow-mindedness shine through his ridiculous predictions - claiming the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that war is impossible. Priestley uses dramatic irony here, since audiences knew these statements were completely wrong. This immediately shows us that Birling's judgment can't be trusted.
What makes him particularly frustrating is his complete refusal to accept responsibility. He describes himself as a "hard-headed practical man of business," which really means he's ruthless and has no moral compass. When challenged by the Inspector, he tries to intimidate him by bragging about his friendship with the Chief Constable.
Key insight: Birling represents the old generation's selfish capitalism that Priestley believed needed to change after WWII.
Mrs Birling - The Cold-Hearted Snob
Sybil Birling is arguably the most unlikeable character in the play. As the head of a women's charity, she should show compassion, but instead displays shocking prejudice and hypocrisy when Eva Smith desperately seeks help whilst pregnant.
Her class prejudice is crystal clear in quotes like "girls of that class" - she's disgusted by working-class people and assumes they're all liars and thieves. Even after learning about Eva's suicide, she coldly states "I consider I did my duty" and refuses to feel any regret.
The ultimate irony comes when she demands that "the father of the child" should take responsibility - not knowing she's talking about her own son Eric. Her complete lack of empathy makes her the least sympathetic character, representing the worst aspects of upper-class society.
Key insight: Mrs Birling shows how privilege can make people completely blind to others' suffering.
Sheila Birling - The Character Who Actually Learns
Sheila starts as a typical spoiled rich girl but becomes the play's most important character through her genuine transformation. Her initial jealousy led to Eva losing her job at Milwards - a petty act that shows her early immaturity and class privilege.
However, unlike her parents, Sheila genuinely feels guilt and remorse. She's the only one who truly grasps what the Inspector represents, warning her family that "he's giving us the rope - so that we'll hang ourselves."
Her character development is remarkable - she evolves from saying "yes, mummy" like a child to challenging her father's treatment of workers: "these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." By the end, she's gained moral courage and sees through her parents' selfishness.
Key insight: Sheila represents hope for the younger generation to create a more caring society.
Gerald Croft - The Charming Manipulator
Gerald appears to be the perfect gentleman, but he's actually a hypocrite who exploits vulnerable women. From an upper-class family himself, he represents how the wealthy justify their bad behaviour through self-serving excuses.
His relationship with Eva (whom he knew as Daisy Renton) reveals his true character. He took advantage of her desperation, setting her up as his mistress while engaged to Sheila. When he claims "I didn't install her there so I could make love to her," he's clearly lying to make himself look better.
Gerald's manipulative nature shows when he tries to protect Sheila from hearing "unpleasant and disturbing" details - as if she's too innocent to handle reality. His attitude reveals the sexist assumptions of his class and era.
Most tellingly, once he discovers the Inspector might be fake, Gerald immediately wants to forget everything and return to normal. He's learned absolutely nothing from the experience.
Key insight: Gerald shows how the upper classes use charm and excuses to avoid taking real responsibility for their actions.
Eric Birling - The Troubled Son Who Finds His Voice
Eric is the black sheep of the family - ignored by his parents, struggling with alcohol, and desperately seeking attention. His treatment of Eva was arguably the worst: he sexually assaulted her while drunk and got her pregnant.
Despite his terrible actions, Eric becomes one of only two characters (along with Sheila) who genuinely accepts responsibility and shows remorse. His confession reveals years of family dysfunction and emotional neglect that partly explains his behaviour.
Eric's character arc is about finding his voice and standing up to his father. His powerful moment comes when he tells Mr Birling: "you're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble." This highlights the generational divide and family failures.
By the play's end, Eric has matured significantly. He understands that their actions had real consequences and refuses to pretend otherwise when the Inspector's identity is questioned.
Key insight: Eric represents how young people can change and grow when they face the truth about their actions.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Character Mind Maps for An Inspector Calls
S
saoirse
@saoirse_zoyp
Meet the key characters from J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" - a family whose comfortable world gets turned upside down when their secrets are exposed. Each character represents different attitudes towards social responsibility, class, and moral conscience that were crucial... Show more
Mr Birling - The Stubborn Capitalist
Arthur Birling is everything wrong with early 20th-century capitalism rolled into one character. He's the wealthy factory owner who puts profit before people, dismissing Eva Smith from his company when she dared ask for a fair wage.
His arrogance and narrow-mindedness shine through his ridiculous predictions - claiming the Titanic is "unsinkable" and that war is impossible. Priestley uses dramatic irony here, since audiences knew these statements were completely wrong. This immediately shows us that Birling's judgment can't be trusted.
What makes him particularly frustrating is his complete refusal to accept responsibility. He describes himself as a "hard-headed practical man of business," which really means he's ruthless and has no moral compass. When challenged by the Inspector, he tries to intimidate him by bragging about his friendship with the Chief Constable.
Key insight: Birling represents the old generation's selfish capitalism that Priestley believed needed to change after WWII.
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Mrs Birling - The Cold-Hearted Snob
Sybil Birling is arguably the most unlikeable character in the play. As the head of a women's charity, she should show compassion, but instead displays shocking prejudice and hypocrisy when Eva Smith desperately seeks help whilst pregnant.
Her class prejudice is crystal clear in quotes like "girls of that class" - she's disgusted by working-class people and assumes they're all liars and thieves. Even after learning about Eva's suicide, she coldly states "I consider I did my duty" and refuses to feel any regret.
The ultimate irony comes when she demands that "the father of the child" should take responsibility - not knowing she's talking about her own son Eric. Her complete lack of empathy makes her the least sympathetic character, representing the worst aspects of upper-class society.
Key insight: Mrs Birling shows how privilege can make people completely blind to others' suffering.
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
Sheila Birling - The Character Who Actually Learns
Sheila starts as a typical spoiled rich girl but becomes the play's most important character through her genuine transformation. Her initial jealousy led to Eva losing her job at Milwards - a petty act that shows her early immaturity and class privilege.
However, unlike her parents, Sheila genuinely feels guilt and remorse. She's the only one who truly grasps what the Inspector represents, warning her family that "he's giving us the rope - so that we'll hang ourselves."
Her character development is remarkable - she evolves from saying "yes, mummy" like a child to challenging her father's treatment of workers: "these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people." By the end, she's gained moral courage and sees through her parents' selfishness.
Key insight: Sheila represents hope for the younger generation to create a more caring society.
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Gerald Croft - The Charming Manipulator
Gerald appears to be the perfect gentleman, but he's actually a hypocrite who exploits vulnerable women. From an upper-class family himself, he represents how the wealthy justify their bad behaviour through self-serving excuses.
His relationship with Eva (whom he knew as Daisy Renton) reveals his true character. He took advantage of her desperation, setting her up as his mistress while engaged to Sheila. When he claims "I didn't install her there so I could make love to her," he's clearly lying to make himself look better.
Gerald's manipulative nature shows when he tries to protect Sheila from hearing "unpleasant and disturbing" details - as if she's too innocent to handle reality. His attitude reveals the sexist assumptions of his class and era.
Most tellingly, once he discovers the Inspector might be fake, Gerald immediately wants to forget everything and return to normal. He's learned absolutely nothing from the experience.
Key insight: Gerald shows how the upper classes use charm and excuses to avoid taking real responsibility for their actions.
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Eric Birling - The Troubled Son Who Finds His Voice
Eric is the black sheep of the family - ignored by his parents, struggling with alcohol, and desperately seeking attention. His treatment of Eva was arguably the worst: he sexually assaulted her while drunk and got her pregnant.
Despite his terrible actions, Eric becomes one of only two characters (along with Sheila) who genuinely accepts responsibility and shows remorse. His confession reveals years of family dysfunction and emotional neglect that partly explains his behaviour.
Eric's character arc is about finding his voice and standing up to his father. His powerful moment comes when he tells Mr Birling: "you're not the kind of father a chap could go to when he's in trouble." This highlights the generational divide and family failures.
By the play's end, Eric has matured significantly. He understands that their actions had real consequences and refuses to pretend otherwise when the Inspector's identity is questioned.
Key insight: Eric represents how young people can change and grow when they face the truth about their actions.
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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4.9/5
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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