Mrs Birling (Sybil Birling)

Pg 1: Sybil is "a rather cold woman and her husband's social superior"

Sybil doesn't look welcoming and is of a higher social status, which explains why she tells Mr Birling off for wanting to thank the cook for the food saying that "you're not supposed to say such things". She is a prominent member of the Women's Charity Organization. She is not a friendly person and rarely shows any affection. She comes from a higher social class than her husband's. Mrs Birling regards most people as beneath her and expects the Inspector to treat her with respect.

Pg 30: "please don't contradict me like that" - Mrs Birling

She does not like, and doesn't expect, people to disagree with her. She is used to being listened to and having her opinions accepted as right.

Pg 38: "it's disgusting to me" - Mrs Birling

Even though Gerald comes from a good family and meets with her approval as a future son-in-law, she cannot accept Gerald's affair. She is prudish, unforgiving and intolerant of people's mistakes.

Pg 43-44: "the most prominent member of the committee" - Inspector

She is the most powerful and respected member of the group that runs the charity. She is able to influence decisions the charity organisation makes.

Timeline

- Commends Gerald's timing after he presents Sheila with an engagement ring.

- Adopts a superior tone with the inspector.

- Is disgusted when she learns that a Daisy Renton was Gerald's mistress, but forgets about it when she thinks a scandal has been avoided.

- Uses her influence to prevent the pregnant Eva Smith receiving help from the charity.

- Thinks Eva Smith and the father of the unborn child are to blame for Eva Smith's death, before she realises that Eric is the father.

- claims she was the only one who stood up to the Inspector's questioning.