An Inspector Calls - Gcse Revision

Point: Sheila represents the possibility of social change.
Evidence: “I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.”
Analysis: The repetition emphasises sincere remorse; stage directions show Sheila's development from frivolous to morally aware. The verb “never” shows definitive transformation.
Link: Priestley uses Sheila to suggest younger generations can learn from mistakes and embrace social responsibility.


  • The Birling Family:
  • Gerald Croft: Sheila's fiancé, wealthy and complacent, but also guilty of exploiting Eva
  • Eva Smith: A working-class woman who dies under mysterious circumstances, symbolizing the struggles of the working class
  • Dramatic effect: Calm, methodical, unstoppable. Name pun: ‘Goole’ = ‘ghoul’ (ghostly / supernatural).