1. CHARACTERISATION
“This girl. Eva Smith, was one of them, she'd had a lot to say – far too much – so she had to go.”
“It's the only time I’ve ever done anything like that, and I’ll never, never do it again to anybody.”

2. Symbolic Characters
Characters can act as symbols, based on their actions, words, and personalities
Mr. Birling  _________________________
Sheila Birling  _________________________
Eva Smith  _________________________
Inspector Goole  _________________________

3. Talking About Eva Who says each quotation?
What do the quotations tell you about:
The speaker?
Edwardian attitudes to working class women?
Eva’s position in society and the possibilities open to her?

4. What do each of these characters stand for?
Birling vs Sheila
What do each of these characters stand for?

5. Sheila & Birling Analysis
Sheila’s social background
Sheila’s views about Eva
Sheila’s response to the crime & quotes
Birling’s social background
Birling’s views on the poor
Birling’s response to the crime & quotes

6. Birling as a symbol for capitalism

7. Sheila as a symbol for morality

8. Characters as Symbols PEELA #1: Sheila as a symbol
Two quotations proving your point
Language & technique analysis
Priestley's intention & 1945 audience reaction
PEELA #2: Mr. Birling as a symbol
Priestley's intention & 1945 audience reactio

9. Comprehension Questions
What is the mood in the room when Sheila enters? How does Sheila react to the Inspector’s news?
Why does Sheila react so violently to the photograph? How is Sheila’s reaction different to other characters’?
How is Sheila affected by her realisation?
Why did Priestley choose to have Sheila and Mr. Birling interrogated in the same Act one after the other?