Characters in An Inspector Calls

MR BIRLING

• Symbolises ignorant views of the rich, old and capitalists
• Doesn't accept responsibility for Eva's death
• Anger is his only emotion
• Rival views with the Inspector
• ACT ONE:MR BIRLING
• ACT THREE: MR BIRLING

MRS BIRLING

• Symbolises ignorant upper class
• Colder than Birling-final reason for Eva's suicide
• Self-centred
• ACT ONE: MRS BIRLING
• ACT TWO: MRS BIRLING

SHEILA BIRLING

• Symbolises the versatile young and socialist
• Represents hope for the audience, they too can change
• ACT ONE:SHEILA BIRLING
• ACT TWO: SHEILA BIRLING

ERIC BIRLING

• Symbolises the young socialists
• Low morals- gets drunk
• -gets a prostitute pregnant after raping her
• -Stole money
• Villain but accepts responsibility
• ACT ONE: ERIC BIRLING
• ACT THREE: ERIC BIRLING

GERALD CROFT

• Symbolises rich who have a chance to change their views but don't
• Birling's social superior
• Same as Birling-future will be the same
• ACT ONE: GERALD CROFT
• ACT TWO: GERALD CROFT

THE INSPECTOR

• Symbolises Priestley's socialist views
• God's judgement
• Already knows everything
• Entrance interrupts Birling's capitalist speech-foreshadows later events in the play
• Treats everyone the same-no sympathy for anyone
• ACT ONE: INSPECTOR
• ACT TWO: THE INSPECTOR
• ACT THREE: THE INSPECTOR

EVA SMITH

• Symbolises the mistreated working class
• Never see her - represent the invisible, powerless members of society
• ACT TWO: EVA SMITH