Question

in 'an inspector calls' what are all the characters like at the start of the play, after the inspectors questions and at the end of the play?

Answer 1

Mr Birling- Before the inspector he was an ignorant capitalist who worked his way up the social ladder. He's greedy and selfish, and only cares about himself. At the end of the play, he feels no sympathy to have played a part in Eva/Daisy's death, this further shows how cold and unforgiving he is. He doesn't believe he has done anything wrong and doesn't admit to his mistakes or change.

Ms Birling- Before the inspector, she is also a cold hearted women. She's very traditional and because she is from a higher class than Birling, she constantly points out his faux pas. She's unforgiving and heartless, as she turned a pregnant Eva away from help and also doesn't accept her role in eva/daisy's death. After she also shows no sympathy and does not change her ways.

Sheila B- Before the play Sheila is confident, stuck-up, easily jelous and modern young girl. She uses her power as a superior to eva to get her fired, this shows her lack of sympathy as well as her low tolerance. This shows how insecure she is. After the inspector she realises her mistakes and does change, she feels bad and acknowledges that although eva/daisy may not be the same person, their family has been exploiting the working class. *If the story were to continue we would think that she would've become a suffragette.

Eric B- He's a drunk introvert who forced himself upon eva. before the inspector he was very jumpy, this shows how he knows he made a mistake and could mean he's sorry. He also agrees with higher pay for the working class (which his father is strictly against) this shows how he's not a strong capitalist like Birling. After the inspector he also regrets and acknowledges his mistakes, and vows to change.
*Eva and Eric are Priestleys hope for change

Gerald C- He is very much like Birling at the beginning. After the inspector, he tries hard to prove the inspector doesn't exist this could show how he's trying to not accept responsibility. although eva did give the ring back, we know they'll work on the relationship so we don't lose all hope go Gerald as him marrying Sheila also gives him an opportunity to change.