Dramatic Function of Characters

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Dramatic Function of Inspector Goole and Others

Here's a summary of the dramatic function of Inspector Goole, Gerald and the older Birlings:

Inspector Goole

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.

Older Birlings and Gerald

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.

Dramatic Function of Eric and Sheila

The younger Birlings become more likeable and they mature throughout the play. We could say they act as agents of change in the play:

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.

Foils in An Inspector Calls

Foils are characters that act as contrasts to other characters. Here are some examples:

Eva Smith vs upper classes

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).

Inspector Goole vs Mr Birling

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.

Sheila and Eric vs older Birlings and Gerald

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.

1Plot Summary

1.1Act 1

1.1.1Act 1 Summary

1.1.2Act 1 Key Quotes

1.2Act 2

1.2.1Act 2 Summary

1.2.2Act 2 Key Quotes

1.3Act 3

1.3.1Act 3 Summary

1.3.2Act 3 Key Quotes

1.3.3Act 3 More Key Quotes

1.3.4End of Topic Test - Acts 1, 2 & 3

2Context & Key Themes

2.1Context & Key Themes

2.1.1Social Class & Equality

2.1.2Class Tension

2.1.3Abuse of Power & Corruption

2.1.4Socialism vs Capitalism

2.1.5Blame & Responsibility

2.1.6Attitudes to Women

2.1.7Characterisation of Women

2.1.8Dramatic Function of Characters

2.1.9End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes 2

2.1.11Grade 9 - Key Themes

3Key Characters

3.1Mr Birling

3.1.1Mr Birling Analysis

3.1.2Mr Birling Quotes

3.2Mrs Birling

3.2.1Mrs Birling Analysis

3.2.2Mrs Birling Quotes

3.2.3Exam-Style Questions - Mrs Birling

3.3Sheila

3.3.1Sheila Analysis

3.3.2Sheila Quotes

3.3.3End of Topic Test - The Birlings & Sheila

3.4Eric

3.4.1Eric Analysis

3.4.2Eric Quotes

3.5Gerald

3.5.1Gerald Analysis

3.5.2Gerald Quotes

3.6Inspector Goole

3.6.1Inspector Goole Analysis

3.6.2Inspector Goole Quotes

3.6.3End of Topic Test - Eric, Gerald & Inspector Goole

3.7Grade 9 - Key Characters

3.7.1Grade 9 - Key Characters

4Authorial Method

4.1Arrangement & Structure of the Play

4.1.1Setting, Lighting & Dramatic Irony

4.1.2Structure & Chronology

4.1.3Structure & Chronology 2

4.1.4End of Topic Test - Authorial Method

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