An Inspector Calls - Character Analysis

Expose the truth behind every character in An Inspector Calls—this complete analysis pack reveals guilt, hypocrisy, and transformation in unforgettable detail.
This comprehensive character analysis resource is designed to help GCSE English students master the key figures in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. Covering The Inspector, Mr Birling, Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, Eric Birling, Gerald Croft, and Eva Smith, it offers a rich blend of accessible commentary, thematic insight, and exam-focused tasks. Ideal for classroom teaching, revision, or independent study, this pack supports inclusive learning with tiered vocabulary, structured takeaways, and scaffolded questions aligned to AO1–AO4.
Each character section includes:

Key Information: Concise, engaging summaries of character traits, development, and dramatic function.
Key Takeaways: Six essential insights per character to reinforce understanding.
Vocabulary Builder: Definitions of key terms to support literacy and subject-specific language.
Exam-Style Questions: Tasks ranging from Identify to Evaluate, encouraging deeper analysis and critical thinking.

Highlights:

The Inspector: A moral force who dismantles privilege and demands accountability. His strategic language and ambiguous identity provoke reflection and challenge social norms.
Mr Birling: A capitalist symbol of arrogance and ignorance. Priestley uses dramatic irony and stagecraft to expose his flawed worldview and obsession with status.
Sybil Birling: Cold, prejudiced, and unrepentant. Her refusal to help Eva and her rigid class values make her a powerful critique of upper-class hypocrisy.
Sheila Birling: A dynamic character who evolves from naive to morally aware. Her transformation represents hope and the potential for generational change.
Eric Birling: Troubled and remorseful. His journey from irresponsibility to accountability highlights the destructive nature of privilege and the possibility of redemption.
Gerald Croft: Charming but self-serving. His affair with Eva and resistance to change reveal the persistence of class-driven exploitation.
Eva Smith / Daisy Renton: The unseen yet central figure. A symbol of the voiceless working class, her tragic story challenges audiences to reflect on empathy and social responsibility.

Why This Resource Works:

Supports adaptive teaching and inclusive classrooms.
Reinforces plot, character, and context with clarity.
Encourages critical engagement with Priestley’s social message.
Perfect for GCSE preparation, homework, or revision.

Whether you’re introducing the play or preparing for exams, this resource helps students connect character to theme, context, and message—making An Inspector Calls resonate far beyond the stage.
Co-Pilot used to support design.