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Overview

Synopsis

An Inspector Calls is set in April 1912, at the home of the well-to-do Birling family. Arthur Birling, a self-made businessman, his wife Sybil, their daughter Sheila and son Eric are enjoying a spot of port in the drawing room after dinner. They are joined by Gerald Croft, son of Sir George Croft, heir to one of the most successful family businesses in England, and Sheila’s new fiance. As the family allow themselves to luxuriate in their good fortune and position in society, they are suddenly interrupted by an unexpected visitor. The maid, Edna, announces that ‘Police Inspector Goole’ has come speak with the Birling family.

The Inspector’s arrival immediately disrupts the evening and the family grows increasingly unsettled when he announces that he is investigating the death of a young woman, Eva Smith. Despite the family’s initial refusal to believe that they are, in any way, involved in the unfortunate suicide of a young, working class woman, slowly but surely the Inspector’s questions get to the truth of the matter. As his investigation unfolds, it soon becomes clear that each member of the family (Gerald included) have secrets linking them to the tragic suicide. His startling revelations not only shatter their lives, but also raise profound questions about social conscience and class values that cannot be ignored.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1945
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
The home of the Birling family, England, 1912
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen Characters, Small Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Mr. Arthur Birling

Lead

Male

Spoken

Mrs. Sybil Birling

Lead

Female

Spoken

Sheila Birling

Lead

Female

Spoken

Eric Birling

Lead

Male

Spoken

Gerald Croft

Lead

Male

Spoken

Inspector Goole

Lead

Male

Spoken

Edna

Featured

Female

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher