Character Overview

This play is essentially Priestley's masterclass in social criticism. Every character serves a specific purpose in his argument against capitalism and class inequality.

The Birling family represents different aspects of upper-class society - from Arthur's ruthless capitalism to Sheila's potential for change. Meanwhile, Gerald Croft shows how even the "nicer" upper classes exploit workers, and the Inspector acts as Priestley's voice, demanding accountability.

Understanding each character's role helps you see how Priestley builds his case for social responsibility and why the play still feels relevant today.

Key Point: Each character isn't just a person - they're symbols of broader social attitudes that Priestley wants to challenge.

Mr Birling - The Capitalist Villain

Arthur Birling embodies everything Priestley hated about capitalist society. He's completely self-obsessed and represents the business owners who prioritise profits over people's lives.

His famous dramatic irony moments - like claiming the Titanic is "unsinkable" - immediately show the audience he's wrong about everything. This makes his confident dismissal of social responsibility look foolish and dangerous.

When he fires Eva Smith for asking for better wages, his justification reveals the harsh reality: "We try for the highest possible prices" whilst denying workers fair wages. This hypocrisy is central to Priestley's critique of capitalism.

Even after learning about Eva's death, Birling remains unchanged - showing how the upper class often lack empathy and resist any challenge to their privilege.

Remember: Birling's arrogance and refusal to change represents why Priestley believed the older generation were beyond redemption.

Eric - Capitalism as Theft

Eric Birling is Priestley's symbol of how capitalism corrupts the younger generation. His alcoholism and criminal behaviour - literally stealing money and forcing himself on Eva - shows capitalism as fundamentally dishonest.

The powerful quote "as if she was an animal, a thing, not a person" comes from the Inspector describing Eric's treatment of Eva. This dehumanisation of working-class women shows the extreme abuse of power by wealthy men.

Eric represents the WWI generation who should have learned social lessons from the war's horrors but failed to change society. His drinking problem symbolises how the upper class drowns its problems rather than facing them.

Unlike his parents, Eric does show some character development - questioning why workers shouldn't get higher wages when businesses seek maximum profits. However, his inability to take full responsibility shows how class privilege corrupts even those with potential.

Key Insight: Eric's criminality isn't accidental - Priestley deliberately shows capitalism as theft from the working class.

Gerald - The Charming Exploiter

Gerald Croft is perhaps Priestley's most complex character because he seems decent but actually represents how the aristocracy maintains power through charm rather than obvious cruelty.

His description of Eva as "young and fresh and charming" reveals his sexist attitudes - he only values her appearance and treats her like an object for his pleasure. The phrase suggests he's familiar with prostitutes, showing the casual way upper-class men exploit vulnerable women.

Gerald's dismissive attitude - calling Eva's death "suicide business" - shows typical upper-class detachment. He doesn't want his "respectable" image tainted by association with working-class concerns.

His treatment of Sheila as childish ("She's had a long, exciting and tiring day") reveals the patriarchal attitudes of 1912, where men controlled women through condescending "protection."

Important: Gerald shows how exploitation can hide behind politeness and charm - making it more dangerous than obvious villains like Birling.

Sheila - Hope for Change

Sheila Birling undergoes the most dramatic transformation, evolving from a materialistic upper-class girl into Priestley's voice for social consciousness. She represents hope that the younger generation can change.

Her initial excitement over the engagement ring ("isn't it a beauty") shows typical upper-class obsession with material possessions. However, she quickly develops genuine concern for Eva, declaring "these girls aren't cheap labour - they're people."

The powerful moment when she calls Gerald a "fool" marks her character development - she's no longer the submissive fiancée but an independent woman challenging male authority. This was revolutionary behaviour for 1912.

Her final accusation that her parents are being "childish" creates dramatic irony - the youngest family member becomes the most mature. She understands that ignoring social problems won't make them disappear.

Character Growth: Sheila transforms from victim of her upbringing into Priestley's spokesperson for social change.

Mrs Birling - Patriarchal Prejudice

Sybil Birling represents the worst aspects of upper-class women who uphold the system that oppresses them. She's arrogant, patronising, and completely lacking in empathy for working-class struggles.

Her intransigent refusal to change shows how some people become so invested in their class privilege that they can't see their own cruelty. She genuinely believes she's morally superior whilst denying help to desperate women.

Mrs Birling's attitudes reveal the patriarchal society of 1912 - she's gained some power through her class position but uses it to judge other women harshly rather than showing solidarity.

Her willful blindness to social problems represents how the upper classes maintain their comfort by refusing to acknowledge the suffering their system causes.

Social Commentary: Mrs Birling shows how women can become enforcers of their own oppression when they gain limited power within patriarchal systems.

Inspector Goole - Priestley's Voice

Inspector Goole isn't really a character - he's Priestley's socialist conscience made flesh. His ghost-like qualities suggest he represents the voices of all exploited workers demanding justice.

The famous final warning about "fire and blood and anguish" predicts the world wars that will come if society doesn't change. His prophecy proves accurate - the Birlings' refusal to learn leads to greater disasters.

His moral authority never wavers, even when Birling tries intimidation. The simple response "I'm on duty" shows his incorruptible dedication to social justice - a stark contrast to the family's moral flexibility.

The lighting changes when he arrives - from "pink and intimate" to "brighter and harder" - symbolise how he forces the family to see harsh realities they've been ignoring.

His reminder that there are "millions and millions" of Eva Smiths emphasises that her story represents widespread exploitation, not an isolated tragedy.

Priestley's Message: The Inspector embodies the idea that we're all responsible for each other - ignore this at society's peril.