Help your GCSE English Literature students master characterisation, dramatic purpose, and social context for J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls.

This detailed revision resource breaks down the key characters across the play using a three-part analytical structure (What is their role?, How are they characterised?, Why are they included?). It equips students with the precise terminology and evidence needed to write high-tier character and thematic essays.

The character overview grid provides an in-depth analysis of all key characters (Arthur Birling, Sybil Birling, Sheila Birling, Eric Birling, Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, and Eva Smith), mapping their character arcs, key quotations, methods, and overarching dramatic/structural function. There is explicit focus on Priestley’s construct of each character to convey his socialist message, critique 1912 capitalist attitudes, and explore the generation gap.

Students can use the resource to deepen their analytical understanding and complete targeted revision tasks, such as:

• Analysing Priestley’s dramatic intent and political message
• Examining how characters function as constructs or foils (e.g. younger vs. older generation)
• Extracting key quotation evidence across all three acts
• Exploring dynamic character transformations versus static characters
• Drafting essay thesis statements and structured character comparisons

Suitable for:

• AQA: Paper 2 (Modern texts and poetry), Section A
• Pearson Edexcel: Paper 1 (Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature), Section B
• Eduqas / WJEC: Component 2 (Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry), Section A
• OCR: Component 01 (Exploring modern and literary heritage texts), Section A