Sheila Birling - Character Summary

Who is Sheila Birling?

• Initially an obedient daughter

• Gerald’s fiancée

• Had Eva Smith fired from her job at a clothing store due to jealousy

What are Sheila Birling’s Key Characteristics?

• Immature

• Materialistic

• Strong-willed

• Capable of change

What is Sheila Birling’s role?

She grows in maturity during the play, and ultimately rejects the selfish capitalist beliefs held by her parents and Gerald, thus representing the more progressive values of the younger generation

How does Priestley use Sheila to contrast with Eva?

Priestley uses Sheila to contrast with Eva by highlighting how the class divide affects women from very different backgrounds. Sheila represents the younger generation's potential for social change, while Eva reflects the harsh realities faced by working-class women

How is Sheila portrayed at the beginning of the play?

Sheila is portrayed as immature and blissfully unaware of the hardships faced by working-class women like Eva Smith. She is horrified when she learns of Eva’s tragic fate, which was partly caused by Sheila’s own petty jealousy

How is Sheila materialistic in Act 1?

Sheila is materialistic as she judges Eva based on her appearance, feeling jealous when Eva looks better in a dress than she does. Additionally, Sheila dismisses her suspicions about Gerald's absence the previous summer after he gives her an expensive engagement ring

How does Sheila demonstrate change and strength of character?

Sheila demonstrates change and strength of character by accepting responsibility for her role in Eva's death. She sides with the Inspector’s message of social reform and condemns her parents' selfishness and irresponsibility

How does Priestley highlight Sheila’s immaturity at the beginning of the play?

Priestley uses childish language to emphasize Sheila's naivety and immaturity. She uses infantile terms like “mummy” and “daddy,” and expresses emotional outbursts such as her reaction to Eva’s suicide: “How horrible!”

What do Sheila’s physical actions in Act 1 and Act 2 reveal about her character development?

In Act 1, Sheila is obedient, physically “looking attentive” to her parents. In Act 2, however, her physical behaviour changes; she moves physically closer to the Inspector, demonstrating her growing independence and willingness to listen to his influence

How does Sheila’s tone shift in Act 3?

By Act 3, Sheila’s tone shifts significantly. She is no longer blindly following her parents' views. She confidently challenges them, even calling Sybil's use of “impertinent” a “silly word,” indicating her rejection of their selfish beliefs

What does Sheila's change in physical behaviour suggest about her relationship with the Inspector?

Sheila’s movement closer to the Inspector in Act 2 signifies her growing alignment with his social message. It illustrates her receptiveness to his ideas and contrasts with her previous obedience to her parents

What does Sheila’s ability to challenge her parents in Act 3 signify about her character?

It marks her transition from a naïve, childlike character to a more independent and morally responsible individual. She starts questioning and rejecting her parents’ selfish views, showcasing her growth

How is Sheila portrayed in Act 1?

Sheila is entitled and immature. She is childish and excitable, with a limited understanding of the struggles faced by those less privileged than herself. She is deeply distressed when the Inspector reveals that her spite and jealousy contributed to Eva Smith’s suicide

How does Sheila show maturity in Act 2?

Sheila becomes more mature. She convinces Gerald to confess his relationship with Eva, breaks off her engagement to him but respects his honesty, and is the first to realise Eric’s involvement with Eva

How is Sheila transformed by Act 3?

Sheila’s transformation is complete. She sides fully with the Inspector’s message about social responsibility, rejects Gerald’s suggestion that the investigation was a hoax, and condemns her parents for failing to change their ways

Q1: How does Sheila align with Priestley’s post-war audience by the end of the play?

By the end of the play, Sheila aligns with the progressive politics of Priestley’s 1945 audience, who were more socially aware, influenced by developments like the Welfare State, workers' rights, and a renewed focus on community values after World War Two. Modern and 1945 audiences may sympathise with her position

How does Sheila represent the social position of women in 1912 Britain?

Sheila represents the social position of women in 1912 Britain, and can be seen as a victim of her environment. Her naivety and immaturity reflect the poor standard of education women received at the time, and her excitement over Gerald’s engagement ring symbolizes how women were financially dependent on men

How is Sheila’s progressive stance contrasted with the older generation’s views?

Sheila’s socially progressive ideas are dismissed by the selfish older generation, reflecting the powerlessness of women in 1912 to affect political change. While women were granted limited voting rights in 1918, full universal suffrage wasn't achieved until 1928