Characters, relationships and dramatic setup (Act 1–3)

Anotacoes

Characters ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley: A Knowledge Organiser Inspector Goole Priestley’s mouthpiece; advocates social justice; serves as the Birlings’ conscience Socialist, moralistic, righteous, powerful, intimidating, unconventional, mysterious, imposing, sardonic, omnipotent Plot Mr. Arthur Birling Businessman; capitalist; against social equality; a self-made man (new-money) Capitalist, arrogant, foolish, Panglossian, emasculate, prejudice, ignorant, selfish, stubborn, vainglorious Act 1 Mrs. Sybil Birling Husband’s social superior; believes in personal responsibility Arrogant, cold-hearted, insincere, prejudice, naïve, conformist, bitter, controlling, remorseless Set in April 1912, Brumley, Midlands, UK. The Birling family and Gerald Croft are celebrating Sheila Birling's engagement to Gerald with a dinner. Mr Birling lectures his son, Eric Birling, and Gerald about the importance of every man looking out for himself if he wants to get on in life. Edna (the maid) announces that an inspector has arrived. Inspector Goole says that he is investigating the death of a young woman who committed suicide, Eva Smith. Mr Birling is shown a photograph of Eva, after initially d...