Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-8-dramatic-function-of-characters

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# Dramatic Function of Characters

English Lit: AQA GCSE An Inspector Calls, topic 2.1.8

## 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

![Inspector Goole](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/39c10eb4-075f-42a7-a2ed-4d78a16aca2f/ded108a5-4406-45b7-80d8-ba7e9bca89cf.png)

- 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

![Older Birlings and Gerald](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/6b27776f-4ba5-478a-938f-c82983fe0efa/shutterstock_515212039.jpg)

- 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

![Accept responsibility](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/45b1dca1-a21f-4948-8116-7e1ce5671c3c/1c84b9ee-b7b1-46e0-8600-a8e59ad251fb.png)

- Despite their evil actions, they become more likeable because they accept responsibility. 
- They also encourage their parents to do so.

### Agents of change

![Agents of change](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/1f2e328e-3b6c-47ce-85e4-a36a148ec06b/5ee570f0-e427-4a64-8b31-d6914ddda8b3.png)

- 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

![Mature](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/747e14d2-c851-43b1-88e3-08d07926daa8/100db0ac-90f1-4808-a4de-df3c45381c47.png)

- 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 vs upper classes](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/7e2c2be7-5f43-48d7-b5a1-e32e020613a0/7bb3b32b-f51a-4321-840c-823b9f1ff0ed.png)

- 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 vs Mr Birling](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/1ec02754-60c0-462e-8cfd-465135e53d88/48847918-44bb-4b67-9aa5-1b2d5139586b.png)

- 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 vs older Birlings and Gerald](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2025-11/45b1dca1-a21f-4948-8116-7e1ce5671c3c/1c84b9ee-b7b1-46e0-8600-a8e59ad251fb.png)

- 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.

## Test yourself on Dramatic Function of Characters

- Which of these are true about the older Birlings and Gerald?
- Why might we call the older Birlings and Gerald 'antagonists'?
- Why might we see Sheila and Eric as 'agents of change' in the play?
- What are foils in literature?
- In what ways does Eva Smith contrast with the upper classes?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/1bcb11c0-2c27-11e8-b18d-d1082cf88b6d/section/869cd720-2c33-11e8-b18d-d1082cf88b6d/session)

- Previous topic: [2.1.7 Characterisation of Women](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-7-characterisation-of-women.md)
- Next topic: [2.1.9 End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-9-end-of-topic-test-context-and-key-themes.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE An Inspector Calls contents

### 1 Plot Summary
- 1.1 Act 1
  - [1.1.1 Act 1 Summary](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-1-1-act-1-summary.md)
  - [1.1.2 Act 1 Key Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-1-2-act-1-key-quotes.md)
- 1.2 Act 2
  - [1.2.1 Act 2 Summary](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-2-1-act-2-summary.md)
  - [1.2.2 Act 2 Key Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-2-2-act-2-key-quotes.md)
- 1.3 Act 3
  - [1.3.1 Act 3 Summary](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-3-1-act-3-summary.md)
  - [1.3.2 Act 3 Key Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-3-2-act-3-key-quotes.md)
  - [1.3.3 Act 3 More Key Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-3-3-act-3-more-key-quotes.md)
  - [1.3.4 End of Topic Test - Acts 1, 2 & 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/1-3-4-end-of-topic-test-acts-1-2-and-3.md)

### 2 Context & Key Themes
- 2.1 Context & Key Themes
  - [2.1.1 Social Class & Equality](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-1-social-class-and-equality.md)
  - [2.1.2 Class Tension](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-2-class-tension.md)
  - [2.1.3 Abuse of Power & Corruption](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-3-abuse-of-power-and-corruption.md)
  - [2.1.4 Socialism vs Capitalism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-4-socialism-vs-capitalism.md)
  - [2.1.5 Blame & Responsibility](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-5-blame-and-responsibility.md)
  - [2.1.6 Attitudes to Women](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-6-attitudes-to-women.md)
  - [2.1.7 Characterisation of Women](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-7-characterisation-of-women.md)
  - [2.1.8 Dramatic Function of Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-8-dramatic-function-of-characters.md)
  - [2.1.9 End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-9-end-of-topic-test-context-and-key-themes.md)
  - [2.1.10 End of Topic Test - Context & Key Themes 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-10-end-of-topic-test-context-and-key-themes-2.md)
  - [2.1.11 Grade 9 - Key Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-11-grade-9-key-themes.md)
  - [2.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Socialism vs Communism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-socialism-vs-communism.md)
  - [2.1.13 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Edna](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-13-diagnostic-misconceptions-edna.md)
  - [2.1.14 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Women in the Play](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-14-diagnostic-misconceptions-women-in-the-play.md)
  - [2.1.15 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Eva Smith](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/2-1-15-diagnostic-misconceptions-eva-smith.md)

### 3 Key Characters
- 3.1 Mr Birling
  - [3.1.1 Mr Birling Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-1-1-mr-birling-analysis.md)
  - [3.1.2 Mr Birling Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-1-2-mr-birling-quotes.md)
  - [3.1.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Arrogance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-1-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-arrogance.md)
  - [3.1.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Illegality](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-1-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-illegality.md)
- 3.2 Mrs Birling
  - [3.2.1 Mrs Birling Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-2-1-mrs-birling-analysis.md)
  - [3.2.2 Mrs Birling Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-2-2-mrs-birling-quotes.md)
  - [3.2.3 Exam-Style Questions - Mrs Birling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-2-3-exam-style-questions-mrs-birling.md)
- 3.3 Sheila
  - [3.3.1 Sheila Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-3-1-sheila-analysis.md)
  - [3.3.2 Sheila Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-3-2-sheila-quotes.md)
  - [3.3.3 End of Topic Test - The Birlings & Sheila](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-3-3-end-of-topic-test-the-birlings-and-sheila.md)
- 3.4 Eric
  - [3.4.1 Eric Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-4-1-eric-analysis.md)
  - [3.4.2 Eric Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-4-2-eric-quotes.md)
- 3.5 Gerald
  - [3.5.1 Gerald Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-5-1-gerald-analysis.md)
  - [3.5.2 Gerald Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-5-2-gerald-quotes.md)
  - [3.5.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Gerald's Morals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-5-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-geralds-morals.md)
- 3.6 Inspector Goole
  - [3.6.1 Inspector Goole Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-6-1-inspector-goole-analysis.md)
  - [3.6.2 Inspector Goole Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-6-2-inspector-goole-quotes.md)
  - [3.6.3 End of Topic Test - Eric, Gerald & Inspector Goole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-6-3-end-of-topic-test-eric-gerald-and-inspector-goole.md)
  - [3.6.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Ghost](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-6-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-ghost.md)
- 3.7 Grade 9 - Key Characters
  - [3.7.1 Grade 9 - Key Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/3-7-1-grade-9-key-characters.md)

### 4 Authorial Method
- 4.1 Arrangement & Structure of the Play
  - [4.1.1 Setting, Lighting & Dramatic Irony](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/4-1-1-setting-lighting-and-dramatic-irony.md)
  - [4.1.2 Structure & Chronology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/4-1-2-structure-and-chronology.md)
  - [4.1.3 Structure & Chronology 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/4-1-3-structure-and-chronology-2.md)
  - [4.1.4 End of Topic Test - Authorial Method](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/4-1-4-end-of-topic-test-authorial-method.md)
  - [4.1.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Flashbacks](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/4-1-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-flashbacks.md)

### 5 Recap: Main Quotes
- 5.1 Mr Birling Quotes
  - [5.1.1 Mr Birling Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-1-1-mr-birling-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.1.2 Mr Birling Quotes Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-1-2-mr-birling-quotes-act-2.md)
  - [5.1.3 Mr Birling Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-1-3-mr-birling-quotes-act-3.md)
- 5.2 Mrs Birling Quotes
  - [5.2.1 Mrs Birling Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-2-1-mrs-birling-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.2.2 Mrs Birling Quotes Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-2-2-mrs-birling-quotes-act-2.md)
  - [5.2.3 Mrs Birling Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-2-3-mrs-birling-quotes-act-3.md)
- 5.3 Sheila Quotes
  - [5.3.1 Sheila Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-3-1-sheila-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.3.2 Sheila Quotes Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-3-2-sheila-quotes-act-2.md)
  - [5.3.3 Sheila Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-3-3-sheila-quotes-act-3.md)
- 5.4 Eric Quotes
  - [5.4.1 Eric Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-4-1-eric-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.4.2 Eric Quotes Act 1 (2nd Quote)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-4-2-eric-quotes-act-1-2nd-quote.md)
  - [5.4.3 Eric Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-4-3-eric-quotes-act-3.md)
- 5.5 Gerald Quotes
  - [5.5.1 Gerald Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-5-1-gerald-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.5.2 Gerald Quotes Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-5-2-gerald-quotes-act-2.md)
  - [5.5.3 Gerald Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-5-3-gerald-quotes-act-3.md)
- 5.6 Inspector Goole Quotes
  - [5.6.1 Inspector Goole Quotes Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-6-1-inspector-goole-quotes-act-1.md)
  - [5.6.2 Inspector Goole Quotes Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-6-2-inspector-goole-quotes-act-2.md)
  - [5.6.3 Inspector Goole Quotes Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/an-inspector-calls/5-6-3-inspector-goole-quotes-act-3.md)