Who are the main characters? Flashcards
Who is Mr Birling and what does he represent?
He is a wealthy Factory Owner in 1912. He represents the entirety of the Higher Class in Britain - all he cares about is money.
Who is Mrs Birling?
She is Mr Birling’s wife and has a higher social status than him.
Who is Eric Birling?
Eric is Mr Birling’s son. He is seen as “Half shy and half assertive”.
Who is Sheila Birling?
She is Mr Birling’s daughter. She is a happy, young, pretty girl but can be seen as naïve. Her prettiness is arguably her only quality.
Who is Gerald?
Gerald is Sheila’s Fiancé. The opening act is about their engagement. His father and Mr Birling are Factory competitors so he is very wealthy.
Why did Gerald not talk to Sheila during the Summer?
He was secretly having an affair with Daisy Renton, also known as Eva Smith.
Who is Eva Smith?
Eva Smith is a young woman who worked for Mr Birling in 1910. She goes by several names, including Daisy Renton.
How did Eva Smith die?
She killed herself by drinking a “strong disinfectant”.
Why was she fired from the Factory?
She asked for a higher wage and Mr Birling refused.
Who is Edna?
Edna is the Birling Household’s maid. She is seen at the start of Act One.
What is the Inspector’s name and how is he presented?
The inspector is called “Inspector Goole”. He is presented as a strong, powerful figure in his fifties.
How does the inspector make his appearance?
He rings the doorbell at the Birling Household. Edna, the maid, opens the door and informs Mr Birling.
Why is Inspector Goole “interrogating” the Birling Family?
He believes they all are part of the reason why Eva Smith killed herself.
