(Theme) Dramatic function of characters

Question 1

Inspector Goole

Answer 1

He is the hero of the story.
He tells the characters of their misdeeds (evil or illegal acts).
He encourages them to change their ways and become better people.

Question 2

Older Birlings and Gerald

Answer 2

Neither Gerald nor the older Birlings accept any responsibility for Eva’s death, even after they’re told the consequences of their actions.
Both also refuse to acknowledge their wrongdoings (illegal or dishonest behaviour).
The audience cannot be sure that Mr Birling, Mrs Birling and Gerald won’t repeat these actions in the future.
They could be called ‘antagonists’ because they seem to cause problems in the text and stand in the way of the Inspector’s attempts to make wrongs right.

Question 3

Dramatic Function of Eric and Sheila

Answer 3

Accept responsibility-
Despite their evil actions, they become more likeable because they accept responsibility.
They also encourage their parents to do so.
Agents of change-
We might see them as agents (someone that brings about a change) of change in the play because they help to change attitudes, even if their views aren’t taken up by the older characters.
Mature-
We feel that Sheila and Eric have learnt something from the experience.
They begin as spoilt, self-indulgent (tend to do exactly what they want) and irresponsible children. But, because of Inspector Goole’s stepping in, they change and become more mature young adults.
The audience trusts that Sheila and Eric will not make the same mistakes again.

Question 4

Foils in An Inspector Calls

Answer 4

Foils are characters that act as contrasts to other characters. Here are some examples:
Eva Smith vs upper classes
Sheila and Eric vs older Birlings and Gerald
Inspector Goole vs Mr Birling

Question 5

Sheila and Eric vs older Birlings and Gerald

Answer 5

Sheila and Eric act as foils for the older Birlings and Gerald.
They start the play as very similar characters, and change and develop into caring people who accept responsibility for their actions.
Their parents and Gerald do not.

Question 6

Eva Smith vs upper classes

Answer 6

Eva Smith acts as a foil for the upper classes.

She contrasts with them by her life experience and the hopelessness she faces (through no fault of her own).

Question 7

Inspector Goole vs Mr Birling

Answer 7

Inspector Goole is a foil for Mr Birling – he is a fair, responsible character who cares about the welfare (health) of others.
Mr Birling is egotistical (self-centred), selfish and actively dislikes the lower-classes.