2.1.8
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
2Context & Key Themes
2.1Context & Key Themes
2.1.1Social Class & Equality2.1.2Class Tension2.1.3Abuse of Power & Corruption2.1.4Socialism vs Capitalism2.1.5Blame & Responsibility2.1.6Attitudes to Women2.1.7Characterisation of Women2.1.8Dramatic Function of Characters2.1.9End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes2.1.10End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes 22.1.11Grade 9 - Key Themes2.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Socialism vs Communism2.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Edna2.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Women in the Play2.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Eva Smith
3Key Characters
3.1Mr Birling
3.2Mrs Birling
3.6Inspector Goole
3.7Grade 9 - Key Characters
4Authorial Method
5Recap: Main Quotes
5.1Mr Birling Quotes
5.2Mrs Birling Quotes
5.6Inspector Goole Quotes
Jump to other topics
1Plot Summary
2Context & Key Themes
2.1Context & Key Themes
2.1.1Social Class & Equality2.1.2Class Tension2.1.3Abuse of Power & Corruption2.1.4Socialism vs Capitalism2.1.5Blame & Responsibility2.1.6Attitudes to Women2.1.7Characterisation of Women2.1.8Dramatic Function of Characters2.1.9End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes2.1.10End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes 22.1.11Grade 9 - Key Themes2.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Socialism vs Communism2.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Edna2.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Women in the Play2.1.15Diagnostic Misconceptions - Eva Smith
3Key Characters
3.1Mr Birling
3.2Mrs Birling
3.6Inspector Goole
3.7Grade 9 - Key Characters
4Authorial Method
5Recap: Main Quotes
5.1Mr Birling Quotes
5.2Mrs Birling Quotes
5.6Inspector Goole Quotes
Practice questions on Dramatic Function of Characters
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- 1
- 2
- 3Dramatic function of the older Birlings and Gerald:Fill in the list
- 4Dramatic function of Sheila and Eric:Fill in the list
- 5
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