Inspector Calls Character - Quotes

INSPECTOR: 

• 'massiveness, solidity and purposefulness' - Imposing figure who will dominate the play.
• 'one person and one line of enquiry at a time' - Does things his way so Prietley can build events.
• 'its my duty to ask questions' - Responsibilities are taken very seriously.
• 'never seemed like an ordinary police Inspector' - Extraordinary or unusual?
• 'divide the reponsibiltiy' - makes everybody share the guilt aand responsibility. 
• 'more impressionable' - speaks to the younger generation.
• 'we'll have to share our guilt'

MR BIRLING:

• 'heavy looking rather poretentuos man' - Size makes him look threatening.
• 'a hard-head pratical man of business' - Suceeds in business and doesn't let emotions stand in the way.
• 'yes dear, i know i'm talking too much' - Airs his views. Wants to be focal point.
• 'i'm a public man' - Expects respect and thinks his position will save him.
• 'a man... has to look after himself' - Sums up his philosophy.
• 'public scandal' - All that he cares about.
• 'i'm still on the bench' - Trying to use his influence.

MRS BIRLING:

• 'rather cold woman' and 'her husband's social superior' - Unfriendly and looks down at most people.
• 'please don't contradict me like that' - Doesn't expect people to diagree with her.
• 'It's disguiting to me' - Can't except Gerald's affair.
• 'the most prominent member of the committee' - Uses her infliuence to make decisions.

MRS BIRLING CONT.:

• 'girls of that class' and 'girl of that sort' - her dismissive view of lower classes.
• 'a trifle impertinent' 'offence' 'gross impertinence' - Annoyed by Inspector's lack of respect.

SHEILA:

• 'oh, how horrible! Was it an accident' - Shows genuine concern for Eva.
• 'i had her turned out of a job' - Facing up to the responsibity of what she did to Eva.
• 'it's you two who are being childish' - Stands up to older generation.
• 'of course he knows' - Acknowledges the Inspectors power.
• 'these girls aren't cheap labour - they're poeple' - Shows Sheila has feelings and understands.

GERALD:

• 'easy, well-bred, young man-about town' - wealthy and a good upbringing.
• 'we're respectable citizens' - theme of social position.

 ERIC:

• 'squiffy' - a drunk.
• 'a chap easily turns nasty' - his behaviour with Daisy/Eva.
• 'you've been spoilt'