Mr Birling - The Capitalist Symbol
Arthur Birling embodies everything Priestley criticises about capitalist attitudes. He's obsessed with profit over people, proudly declaring his duty to "keep labour costs down" and pursue "lower costs and higher prices."
His arrogance shines through dramatic irony when he calls the Titanic "absolutely unsinkable" and dismisses war as "fiddlesticks." Priestley makes him wrong about everything to show how out-of-touch wealthy businessmen really were.
Most telling is his complete refusal to accept responsibility. Even when confronted with Eva's death, he's more worried about his knighthood and avoiding "public scandal" than showing genuine remorse.
Quick Tip: Notice how Birling's repetitive phrases about being a "hard-headed practical man of business" reveal his personal pride - exactly what Priestley wants us to reject.
