Gerald Croft - Character Summary

Who is Gerald Croft?

• Heir of a wealthy family

• The Birlings’ social superior

• Sheila’s fiancé

• Had an affair with Eva but then abandoned her

What are Gerald Croft’s Key Characteristics?

• Amiable and polite

• Hypocritical

• Wealthy

• Rejects responsibility

What is the role of Gerald Croft?

Occupying a moral middle ground between the younger and older generations, he initially seems to accept the Inspector’s socialist message, but ultimately sides with Mr and Mrs Birling

What class does Gerald Croft represent in An Inspector Calls?

Gerald represents the immense privilege of the upper classes, who are often ignorant of the struggles faced by the poorest in society

How does Gerald's background influence Mr Birling’s behaviour toward him?

Gerald is the son of wealthy capitalists, and Mr Birling is eager to impress his family, showing the importance placed on social status and wealth in capitalist society

How does Gerald's relationship with Eva Smith reflect gender and power dynamics in 1912?

Gerald uses his social power to keep Eva as his mistress while she lives in a friend’s house, then abandons her, highlighting the imbalance of power between men and women

Does Gerald change by the end of the play?

Gerald initially feels guilty about his treatment of Eva, suggesting he might be capable of change. However, he ultimately tries to evade responsibility and protect his reputation

How does Priestley use symbolism to present Gerald's character?

The engagement ring symbolises Gerald’s use of wealth to manipulate situations — he gives it to Sheila to distract her from his suspicious behaviour, and later tries to win her back with the same ring, showing he fails to recognise her personal growth

What does Gerald’s use of emotive language when describing Eva suggest?

Gerald uses emotive language to show he may have had genuine feelings for Eva, suggesting affection or love

How does Gerald justify his actions using language?

He frames Eva’s situation as a “cry for help,” casting himself as a heroic figure and attempting to excuse or soften the impact of his exploitation

How is Gerald presented in Act 1?

Gerald is described as friendly and polite but clearly privileged. He supports Mr Birling’s capitalist views and agrees with the sacking of Eva Smith, showing his alignment with the older generation’s beliefs

What do we learn about Gerald in Act 2?

Gerald admits to having an affair with Eva Smith (Daisy Renton), feels genuine guilt, and accepts Sheila breaking off their engagement. However, his behaviour shows how he used his power and privilege over Eva

How does Gerald react in Act 3?

Gerald fails to learn his lesson. He is more concerned with reputation than morality, tries to disprove the Inspector’s identity, and is relieved at the idea Eva might not be dead. He offers Sheila the ring again, showing he has not changed

How is Gerald punished at the end of the play?

Gerald is symbolically punished through the final phone call, which suggests another Inspector is on the way, reinforcing that his lack of growth will have consequences

Why might Gerald be considered the least blameworthy of the characters who interacted with Eva Smith?

Gerald’s behaviour towards Eva is selfish but not overtly cruel. He seems genuinely concerned for her wellbeing, and although he abuses his power, he does not treat her as harshly as others. However, his framing of himself as a protector highlights the power imbalance between them

How does Gerald’s treatment of Eva highlight the gender and sexual power imbalance?

Gerald is aware of the power imbalance and abuses it by taking advantage of Eva sexually. When he grows bored of their arrangement, he discards her, showing how he uses his social and sexual power to manipulate the relationship for his own benefit

What does Gerald’s behaviour towards Eva reveal about his character?

Gerald gives Eva money as a parting gift, but he fails to recognise that what she truly needed was love and security. This reveals his shallow and materialistic nature, as he believes that money can solve emotional issues

How does Gerald treat Sheila in a similar way to Eva?

Gerald tries to win Sheila back with an expensive engagement ring, attempting to mend the rift caused by his affair. This mirrors how he treated Eva, using material gifts as a means of repairing emotional harm rather than addressing the deeper issues

How does Gerald's materialism reflect Priestley’s broader critique of the upper classes?

Gerald’s materialism shows his belief that he can act without fear of consequences. Priestley uses this to criticise the upper classes’ sense of entitlement and disregard for the struggles of the working class