1. Inspector Goole
He arrives at the Birling’s home, after they’ve finished their meal.
He questions each of them about their involvement in the suicide of a young woman: Eva Smith / Daisy Renton / Mrs Birling.
Is he a socialist or a capitalist?
Is he a real policeman?
Who might he represent?

2. Mr Arthur Birling
He is the head of the household. He is an industrialist and is about 50 years old. He likes to boast of progress and thinks he knows a great deal about the workings of the world.
He enjoys showing off who he knows.
Is he a socialist or a capitalist?
What is his role in the girl’s suicide?
What is his main concern about Inspector Goole’s visit?

3. Mrs Sybil Birling
She is Arthur’s wife and also in her 50s. She is a force to be reckoned with. Often, she seems to wield more power than other women of the era but at the same time perpetuates the subservient role of women!
Is she a socialist or a capitalist?
What is her role in the girl’s suicide?
How is her class described?

4. Eric Birling
He is in his 20s and the son of Arthur and Sybil. We discover that he is a bit of a drinker and through his own admission, he can be overbearing when drunk. Throughout the play, he often sides with his sister, Sheila, but is awkward with his parents. He works for his father.
Is he a socialist or a capitalist?
What is his role in the girl’s suicide?
How does he react to Goole?

5. Sheila Birling
She is in his 20s and the daughter of Arthur and Sybil. She is engaged to Gerald Croft, who is from a socially superior family.
She enjoys clothes and pretty things.
Is she a socialist or a capitalist?
What is her role in the girl’s suicide?
How is she affected by Goole?

6. Gerald Croft
He is older than Sheila and Eric but his age is not specified. He is the son of Lord and Lady Croft: an affluent and influential family. He is engaged to marry Sheila. He is at the Birling home because they are having a meal to celebrate their engagement and he has given Sheila the engagement ring.
Is he a socialist or a capitalist?
What is his role in the girl’s suicide?
How does he make the others query who Goole is?

7. Eva Smith ?
Inspector Goole arrives to question the family about their involvement in her death.
Everything the audience learns about her comes from his questions and the family’s responses. We do not meet her…
Who does she represent?
In your opinion, does she really exist?
Do you think there is one girl or five?