The Inspector's Character and Role
The Inspector is absolutely the heart of this play - he's the one who makes everything happen. He's described as authoritative and imposing, with a presence that fills the room even though he's not particularly large. Think of him as someone who commands attention just by being there.
What makes him so effective is his forceful and non-manipulative approach - well, mostly non-manipulative! He takes charge immediately and doesn't let anyone dodge his questions. The Inspector's timing is brilliant too. He arrives just as Mr Birling is saying "a man has to mind his own business," which makes it seem like his announcement has summoned the Inspector to prove the complete opposite.
His mysterious nature keeps everyone (including the audience) guessing. Is he real? Is it all a hoax? Gerald even comments on "the rude way he spoke to Mr Birling and me - it was quite extraordinary." This outsider status gives him power over the family.
Key Point: The Inspector represents Priestley's socialist message - his famous line "we don't live alone, we are members of one body" sums up the play's central theme about social responsibility.
The title "An Inspector Calls" is cleverly echoed throughout - first when Edna announces his arrival, then again when another inspector calls on the telephone at the end.