Ever wondered what makes the characters in "An Inspector Calls"... Show more
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5 Jan 2026
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Inspector Calls Character Mindmaps Analysis
E
Eden
@den_f0jcvzweaz9gr55l
1 / 6
Mr Birling - The Stubborn Capitalist
Meet Arthur Birling - the wealthy businessman who cares more about profit than people. His famous line "it's my duty to keep labour costs down" perfectly sums up his cold approach to business and workers' rights.
Birling's arrogance shines through his long speeches about being the future head of the household. He's materialistic, possessive, and holds old-fashioned views about women - referring to his wife as "my wife" like she's property.
The most frustrating thing about Mr Birling? He learns absolutely nothing from the Inspector's visit. Even after discovering how his actions contributed to Eva Smith's death, he refuses to accept responsibility or change his ways.
Key Point: Birling represents the older generation's stubborn refusal to embrace social responsibility - exactly what Priestley wanted to criticise.
Mrs Birling - The Cold-Hearted Snob
Sybil Birling embodies everything wrong with upper-class prejudice. Her disgust when talking about "girls of that class" reveals her cold-hearted attitude towards working-class people like Eva Smith.
Ironically, her name means "prophetess," yet she shows zero foresight about the consequences of her actions. She treats emotions as weakness and constantly silences the younger generation with phrases like "you're behaving like a hysterical child."
Mrs Birling's lack of shame is shocking - even after learning about Eric's involvement, she declares "I did nothing I'm not ashamed of." Her rudeness and direct address often serve to control others and maintain her position of power.
Key Point: Sybil represents the establishment's inability to show compassion or understand social differences.
Inspector Goole - The Voice of Social Justice
The mysterious Inspector Goole arrives with a clear mission: to teach the family about social responsibility. His surname sounds like "ghoul," hinting at his supernatural ability to uncover the truth from everyone.
Goole delivers Priestley's key message through powerful speeches like "we are members of one body, we are responsible for each other." He highlights that power comes with responsibility - especially for "public men" like Mr Birling.
His dramatic techniques, including direct address and climactic moments, force each character to confront their morally neglectful actions. The Inspector proves that actions always have consequences, especially when the upper class condemns working-class people.
Key Point: The Inspector symbolises the need for social change and collective responsibility in post-war Britain.
Sheila Birling - The Transformed Daughter
Sheila starts as a spoilt, superficial girl but undergoes the most dramatic character transformation. Her initial reaction "oh, I wish you hadn't told me" shows her sheltered, privileged background.
However, she quickly develops genuine remorse and social awareness. Her powerful realisation that "these girls aren't just cheap labour - they're people" marks her emotional growth and acceptance of the Inspector's message.
Sheila represents the younger generation's capacity for change. Unlike her parents, she embraces social responsibility and warns that society will face "fire and blood and anguish" if people don't repent for their selfish actions.
Key Point: Sheila's transformation gives hope that the younger generation can build a more socially conscious society.
Eric Birling - The Troubled Son
Eric's character reveals the damage caused by poor parenting and social pressure. His heavy drinking problem and the fact that he "couldn't remember her name" shows how he took advantage of Eva Smith during a vulnerable moment.
The dysfunctional relationship with his father becomes clear when Eric admits "you're not the sort of father a chap can go to." He's constantly patronised and told to "keep quiet" despite being in his twenties.
Eric's character description as "not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive" suggests someone struggling with identity and expectations. His actions always weigh on his mind, showing he has more conscience than his parents.
Key Point: Eric demonstrates how the older generation's failures can corrupt and damage their children.
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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
Inspector Calls Character Mindmaps Analysis
E
Eden
@den_f0jcvzweaz9gr55l
Ever wondered what makes the characters in "An Inspector Calls" tick? This breakdown reveals the key personalities and motivations driving each member of the Birling family, plus Gerald and the mysterious Inspector Goole himself.
Mr Birling - The Stubborn Capitalist
Meet Arthur Birling - the wealthy businessman who cares more about profit than people. His famous line "it's my duty to keep labour costs down" perfectly sums up his cold approach to business and workers' rights.
Birling's arrogance shines through his long speeches about being the future head of the household. He's materialistic, possessive, and holds old-fashioned views about women - referring to his wife as "my wife" like she's property.
The most frustrating thing about Mr Birling? He learns absolutely nothing from the Inspector's visit. Even after discovering how his actions contributed to Eva Smith's death, he refuses to accept responsibility or change his ways.
Key Point: Birling represents the older generation's stubborn refusal to embrace social responsibility - exactly what Priestley wanted to criticise.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mrs Birling - The Cold-Hearted Snob
Sybil Birling embodies everything wrong with upper-class prejudice. Her disgust when talking about "girls of that class" reveals her cold-hearted attitude towards working-class people like Eva Smith.
Ironically, her name means "prophetess," yet she shows zero foresight about the consequences of her actions. She treats emotions as weakness and constantly silences the younger generation with phrases like "you're behaving like a hysterical child."
Mrs Birling's lack of shame is shocking - even after learning about Eric's involvement, she declares "I did nothing I'm not ashamed of." Her rudeness and direct address often serve to control others and maintain her position of power.
Key Point: Sybil represents the establishment's inability to show compassion or understand social differences.
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
Inspector Goole - The Voice of Social Justice
The mysterious Inspector Goole arrives with a clear mission: to teach the family about social responsibility. His surname sounds like "ghoul," hinting at his supernatural ability to uncover the truth from everyone.
Goole delivers Priestley's key message through powerful speeches like "we are members of one body, we are responsible for each other." He highlights that power comes with responsibility - especially for "public men" like Mr Birling.
His dramatic techniques, including direct address and climactic moments, force each character to confront their morally neglectful actions. The Inspector proves that actions always have consequences, especially when the upper class condemns working-class people.
Key Point: The Inspector symbolises the need for social change and collective responsibility in post-war Britain.
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 Transformed Daughter
Sheila starts as a spoilt, superficial girl but undergoes the most dramatic character transformation. Her initial reaction "oh, I wish you hadn't told me" shows her sheltered, privileged background.
However, she quickly develops genuine remorse and social awareness. Her powerful realisation that "these girls aren't just cheap labour - they're people" marks her emotional growth and acceptance of the Inspector's message.
Sheila represents the younger generation's capacity for change. Unlike her parents, she embraces social responsibility and warns that society will face "fire and blood and anguish" if people don't repent for their selfish actions.
Key Point: Sheila's transformation gives hope that the younger generation can build a more socially conscious society.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Eric Birling - The Troubled Son
Eric's character reveals the damage caused by poor parenting and social pressure. His heavy drinking problem and the fact that he "couldn't remember her name" shows how he took advantage of Eva Smith during a vulnerable moment.
The dysfunctional relationship with his father becomes clear when Eric admits "you're not the sort of father a chap can go to." He's constantly patronised and told to "keep quiet" despite being in his twenties.
Eric's character description as "not quite at ease, half shy, half assertive" suggests someone struggling with identity and expectations. His actions always weigh on his mind, showing he has more conscience than his parents.
Key Point: Eric demonstrates how the older generation's failures can corrupt and damage their children.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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: An Inspector Calls
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
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