In J.B. Priestley’s play “An Inspector Calls,” each character represents a different facet of society and embodies specific moral or social traits. The characters are used by Priestley to convey his critique of the upper class and the broader societal issues of the time. Here is an analysis of what each character represents:

1. Arthur Birling:
   • Representative of Capitalism and Self-Interest: Mr. Birling, as the head of the family and a successful businessman, embodies the values of capitalism and self-interest. He is focused on profit, dismissive of social responsibility, and believes in the idea that “a man has to make his own way.”
   • Symbol of Complacency and Hubris: Mr. Birling’s hubris and complacency symbolize the upper class’s smug belief in their invincibility and disregard for the consequences of their actions.
2. Sybil Birling:
   • Representative of Class Prejudice: Mrs. Birling represents class prejudice and social snobbery. Her dismissive attitude towards Eva Smith and her refusal to accept responsibility for her actions reflect the upper class’s disdain for the working class.
   • Symbol of Willful Ignorance: Mrs. Birling’s unwillingness to acknowledge her part in Eva Smith’s tragedy symbolizes the deliberate ignorance and moral blindness of the upper class.
3. Sheila Birling:
   • Symbol of Empathy and Growth: Sheila represents empathy, growth, and the potential for change. Her genuine remorse for her actions and her willingness to learn from her mistakes symbolize the hope for a more compassionate and just society.
   • Voice of Conscience: Sheila serves as a moral compass, expressing the audience’s indignation and challenging the family’s callousness.
4. Eric Birling:
   • Symbol of Personal Struggle and Redemption: Eric embodies personal struggle and redemption. His guilt, alcoholism, and acceptance of responsibility for his actions represent the challenges faced by individuals in breaking free from the moral decay of the upper class.
   • Represents the Youthful Perspective: Eric’s character reflects the younger generation’s potential for change and their recognition of societal injustices.
5. Gerald Croft:
   • Symbol of Privilege and Entitlement: Gerald, as an aristocrat, represents privilege and entitlement. His affair with Eva Smith and his initial attempt to conceal it illustrate the upper class’s lack of accountability.
   • Represents the Upper Class’s Role in Exploitation: Gerald symbolizes the upper class’s role in exploiting the working class, even when they may seem morally upright.
6. Inspector Goole:
   • Symbol of Social Conscience: Inspector Goole represents the voice of social conscience and moral responsibility. His enigmatic presence and relentless questioning challenge the characters to confront their actions and their interconnectedness in society.
   • Instrument of Change: The Inspector serves as an instrument of change, urging the characters and the audience to recognize the consequences of their actions and the need for social reform.

In “An Inspector Calls,” J.B. Priestley uses each character to convey a specific message and to critique the upper class’s values and attitudes. The characters collectively form a mosaic of societal traits and flaws, highlighting the complex interplay of morality, class, and social responsibility in early 20th-century Britain.