Character Profiles:

Arthur Birling:

• Sees Sheila's and Gerald's engagement as a business proposition that could raise his status in society.

• He is irritated by Mr. Birling and this encounter is an inconvenience for him. Note he doesn't know about the whole story, and he holds a pose of saltiness.

Eva Smith:

• At first worked at the factory Mr. Birling oversaw this

• A fighter and went on strike with her workforce but Mr. Birling gave her an offer which she declined, she wanted a raise for everyone, not just her. Eva Smith was not a sell-out. She was Fired.

• Both Parents dead

• Then she worked at a department store, but Sheila got her fired.

• Eva went to Sheila's company to ask for help, she was declined.

Gerald Croft:

• Gerald found her in a bar with a man harassing her and "saved" her. "I could never bear to see a damsel in distress" But he also went further and asked her out for a drink. She had a meal with him, and they talked. Eventually, he offered her a place and Eva became his mistress.

Sheila Birling:

• Sheila's line of questions, "Was she young?" and then "Was she pretty?". How does Sheila think this impacts her judgment?

• Has been shielded from poverty, Mr. Birling says, "she doesn't need to hear about that"

• She complained about Eva Smith in her new job, she was, "in a bad mood" Her Mum was making her insecure about her looks.

Eric Birling:

• "squiffy" alcoholic

Sybil Birling:

• Seems to have Eric as the favourite and holds him to a high standard.

• Thinks that getting a husband is winning a prize, "you have in a way, you've secured your whole future." This was true in 1912

• Has a disrespect for other people of a lower class, "You, girl, come here."

Inspector Goole:

• Persistence, and works he way through picking at every part of the family

• Moves everyone by rattling their feathers

•There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths and John Smiths

• "It's my duty to ask questions"

• Has an air of authority

Plot Synopsis:

The story perfectly represents society at the time. Each member of the family may represent a different part of society but like a family, they are all connected. For example, when Sybil Birling made Sheila insecure about her looks causing Sheila to be "in a bad mood" and complain about Eva Smith as she was jealous of her beauty. Eva Smith was fired, which was followed by more events. This shows how each aspect of society trickles onto each other and has a domino effect on us and each other.

Yes "we often do on the young ones", referring to what? Mr Birling is a metaphor for those in society/ the world trying to help us realize what we are doing wrong. Nonetheless, everyone in the family was shaken by his presence. The difference is that some saw it as an inconvenience and others realized the issue and felt horrible about it. More importantly, wished they could change it. Also considering the context of this quote, society often has a larger effect on younger people as their minds are yet to be shaped and unlike adults, their views are not set in stone, they are open to controversial ideas that go against the grain of what they have been taught by parents and teachers, this can be a good and a bad thing and both sides are shown in the story.

Key Events:

• The Birlings and Gerald are celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald; Gerald gives Sheila a ring.

• The Inspector enters and tells them that a girl died from drinking disinfectant. His presence comes with a mysterious air of wit and knowledge. He leads Mr Birling to reveal how he fired Eva after she led the workers on strike due to a denied pay rise. Eric is on a different wavelength from Mr Birling and feels that he should have given Eva a chance, "tough luck."

• Sheila walks in, and she learns of Eva's death. "Was she pretty?", is one of her first questions. Mr Birling doesn't want Sheila involved. Sheila is over 18 though and although Mr Birling isn't aware that the whole family is connected, he still shields her from the reality of things.

• Gerald is in agreeance with Author Birling on all levels.

• Sheila is in agreeance with Eric and that, "it was a mean thing to do"

• The Inspector reveals that Sheila got Eva fired from Millwards, a department store. Sheila sees the picture of Eva and is shocked. This was her last real job. Sheila only got Eva fired because Sheila was jealous that she was prettier. She used her power and status to get her fired.

• The Inspector reveals that Gerald knows Daisy Renton, who was Eva Smith however she changed her name. They had met at the Palace Bar; a place for, "women of the town". Gerald saves Daisy from a man in the bar and takes her out for dinner. He gives her some money and access to the rooms. Daisy Renton became Gerald's Mistress.

• It is revealed that Eva went to Mrs Birling’s charity that helps young women in need. Mrs Birling declined her due to not seeing her issue as fit enough. First, Eva presented herself as "Mrs Birling" and eventually told them how she was pregnant. On revealing this news Mrs Birling was stubborn in her belief that she had nothing to do with it and refuses to take responsibility or blame, and she "blamed the young man". Mrs Birling is incredibly upset at this and puts all the blame on the young man.

• Eric takes a drink before revealing that he first met Eva Smith in November at the Palace Bar when he was drunk. He began talking to her after he was a bit drunk. He went to her lodgings in the evening against her will and raped her. They were both drunk. They got to know each other and arranged to see each other.

• Eva told Eric she was pregnant and he tried to give her money: £50 that was stolen from his father's work. (£5000 in today's money).

• After Eva found out the money was stolen, she left. She went to Mrs Birling’s committee, who refused her.

• The Inspector leaves after saying "There are millions and millions of Eva Smiths” and "We do not live alone, we are responsible for each other, and I will tell you soon the day will come that if man has not learned that lesson, then he will be taught it in fire, in blood, and in anguish”, referencing the First World War.

• All Mr Birling cares about is a "public scandal" - he didn't learn anything. The Birlings find out that Inspector Goole wasn't a real inspector. Sheila and Eric are the only ones who regret their actions. Mr Birling says that the Inspector wasn't talking about the same girl throughout, however, it doesn't deny that they each did something bad: their stories fit together well. Gerald even admits that he was aware of Eva being fired.

• Gerald tries to give the ring back to Sheila

• They get a call revealing that a young girl died drinking disinfectant.