An Inspector Calls Character Analysis

List of Characters

The characters in "An Inspector Calls" include:

Role Identification

Arthur Birling

As the head of the Birling family, Arthur Birling is a wealthy and influential businessman who represents the capitalist upper class. He is the father of Sheila and Eric Birling and the husband of Sybil Birling.

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling is Arthur's wife and the mother of Sheila and Eric. She is depicted as a cold and unsympathetic upper-class woman who is more concerned with maintaining social status than with genuine morality.

Sheila Birling

Sheila Birling is the daughter of Arthur and Sybil Birling. She starts off as a naive and materialistic young woman but undergoes significant character development as the play progresses.

Eric Birling

Eric Birling is the son of Arthur and Sybil Birling. He is portrayed as a troubled young man who struggles with alcoholism and personal responsibility.

Gerald Croft

Gerald Croft is Sheila's fiancé and a member of the upper-class Croft family. He becomes embroiled in the Inspector's investigation due to his involvement with Eva Smith.

Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is a mysterious police inspector who arrives at the Birling household to investigate the suicide of Eva Smith. His role is pivotal in exposing the moral failings of each character.

Eva Smith

Eva Smith is a working-class woman whose tragic story forms the crux of the play's narrative. She becomes a symbol of the exploitation and mistreatment of the lower class by the affluent members of society.

Character Descriptions

Arthur Birling

Arthur Birling is described as a self-assured and pompous man who exudes confidence in his capitalist beliefs. He is depicted as a symbol of the arrogant and complacent upper class.

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling is portrayed as a cold and unsympathetic woman who embodies the indifference of the upper class towards the plight of the less fortunate. Her lack of empathy becomes a central theme in the play.

Sheila Birling

Sheila Birling begins as a frivolous and materialistic young woman but evolves into a more compassionate and socially conscious individual as the play unfolds. Her character transformation is a key element of the narrative.

Eric Birling

Eric Birling is depicted as a troubled and conflicted young man who struggles with personal demons and societal expectations. His internal conflicts contribute to the play's exploration of moral responsibility.

Gerald Croft

Gerald Croft is presented as a well-mannered and affluent gentleman who becomes entangled in the Inspector's investigation. His role sheds light on the moral ambiguity of the upper class and their treatment of the working class.

Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole is an enigmatic and relentless figure who serves as the moral compass of the play. His unwavering pursuit of truth exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay of the other characters.

Eva Smith

Eva Smith is a symbol of the downtrodden working class, characterized by her resilience and victimization at the hands of the upper class. Her tragic story serves as a catalyst for the moral introspection of the other characters.

Character Traits

Arthur Birling

• Arrogant
• Materialistic
• Self-assured
• Capitalist
• Complacent

Sybil Birling

• Cold
• Indifferent
• Unsympathetic
• Status-conscious
• Judgmental

Sheila Birling

• Naive
• Materialistic
• Compassionate
• Socially conscious
• Empathetic

Eric Birling

• Troubled
• Conflicted
• Rebellious
• Guilt-ridden
• Alcoholic

Gerald Croft

• Affluent
• Well-mannered
• Ambiguous
• Charismatic
• Emotionally detached

Inspector Goole

• Mysterious
• Relentless
• Moral
• Unyielding
• Perceptive

Eva Smith

• Resilient
• Victimised
• Empathetic
• Determined
• Symbolic

Character Background

Arthur Birling

Arthur Birling is a self-made man who has amassed his wealth through capitalist ventures. He is driven by a desire to climb the social ladder and secure his family's position in high society.

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling comes from a privileged background and has been conditioned to prioritize social status and appearances above all else. Her upbringing has shaped her into a cold and unsympathetic individual.

Sheila Birling

Sheila Birling has grown up in a life of luxury and has been shielded from the harsh realities of the world. Her initial naivety and materialism stem from her sheltered upbringing.

Eric Birling

Eric Birling has struggled with personal demons and societal expectations, leading to a sense of rebellion and inner turmoil. His struggles with alcoholism and guilt stem from a lack of emotional support within his family.

Gerald Croft

Gerald Croft hails from an affluent family and is accustomed to a life of privilege. His upbringing has instilled in him a sense of detachment and moral ambiguity, leading to his involvement in Eva Smith's tragedy.

Inspector Goole

The background of Inspector Goole remains shrouded in mystery throughout the play, adding to his enigmatic presence. His unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth suggests a deep-rooted sense of justice and morality.

Eva Smith

Eva Smith comes from the working class and has experienced firsthand the exploitation and mistreatment inflicted upon the lower echelons of society. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity define her character.

Character Arcs

Arthur Birling

Arthur Birling's character arc revolves around his unyielding adherence to capitalist beliefs and his eventual exposure of moral bankruptcy. He undergoes a downfall as his arrogance and complacency are laid bare by Inspector Goole.

Sybil Birling

Sybil Birling's character arc is marked by her unwavering commitment to social status and her refusal to acknowledge the repercussions of her actions. Her lack of empathy and moral growth are central to her character arc.

Sheila Birling

Sheila Birling experiences a significant character transformation, transitioning from a materialistic and naive young woman to a socially conscious and empathetic individual. Her growth is driven by her newfound awareness of societal injustices.

Eric Birling

Eric Birling's character arc is shaped by his internal struggles, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and accountability. His battle with alcoholism and guilt leads to a pivotal moment of personal revelation.

Gerald Croft

Gerald Croft undergoes a complex character arc, grappling with his moral ambiguity and the consequences of his actions. His internal conflict and eventual introspection contribute to his character's evolution.

Inspector Goole

Inspector Goole's character arc is defined by his unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. His enigmatic nature and steadfast commitment to exposing moral failings culminate in a powerful revelation that shapes the trajectory of the play.

Eva Smith

Eva Smith's character arc is tragically cut short, yet her impact on the other characters is profound. Through her tragic story, she becomes a symbol of the struggles and victimization endured by the working class.

Relationships

Arthur and Sybil Birling

Arthur and Sybil Birling share a marriage built on mutual social ambitions and a collective indifference towards societal injustices. Their relationship is characterized by a lack of emotional depth and moral empathy.

Sheila and Gerald

Sheila and Gerald's engagement initially represents the union of two affluent families. However, their relationship becomes a catalyst for Sheila's personal growth and her rejection of the superficial values that once defined her.

Eric and Eva Smith

Eric's relationship with Eva Smith is marked by exploitation and betrayal, representing the power dynamics between the upper and working classes. Their tragic connection exposes the inherent injustices within society.

Inspector Goole and the Birlings

Inspector Goole's interactions with the Birling family serve as a conduit for moral reckoning and accountability. His relentless probing exposes the fractures within the family unit and their complicity in Eva Smith's demise.

In conclusion, "An Inspector Calls" intricately weaves together the lives and moral dilemmas of its characters, offering a thought-provoking portrayal of societal divisions and individual responsibilities. Each character's role, traits, background, and relationships contribute to the compelling narrative and thematic depth of the play.