An Inspector Calls (Classic Radio Theatre) characters

Appears from the start

A prosperous factory owner and former mayor hosting a family dinner to celebrate his daughter's engagement. Certain that business success proves sound judgment, he lectures the younger guests on self-reliance and dismisses concerns about obligations to other people.

Appears from the start

Arthur's wife, a socially confident woman who places great weight on rank and proper behavior. She regards the evening's engagement as a valuable family alliance and initially treats interruption or criticism as an affront to the household.

Appears from the start

The Birlings' daughter, celebrating her engagement to Gerald Croft. At first playful and sheltered, she is nevertheless quick to notice evasions in the adults' conversation and capable of reconsidering her conduct when its consequences are placed before her.

Appears from the start

The Birlings' adult son, restless and already drinking heavily during the engagement dinner. His unease and defensiveness suggest that he is concealing difficulties from a family that still treats him as immature.

Appears from the start

Sheila's fiancé and the son of a wealthier industrial family. Polished and socially assured, he is welcomed by Arthur as both a future son-in-law and a useful business connection, though Sheila questions his unexplained distance during the previous year.

Appears from the start

A grave, controlled visitor who says he is a police inspector investigating a young woman's suicide. He questions the family one person at a time, produces a photograph selectively, and refuses to let status or attempts at intimidation divert him from tracing responsibility.

Also known as Daisy Renton

Appears from the start

A young working-class woman whose recent death is being investigated. The Inspector first connects her to the Birling factory, where she was a capable worker dismissed after helping to seek higher wages. After losing that job she used another name while trying to support herself.

Appears from the start

The Birlings' maid, who serves the engagement dinner and announces the Inspector's unexpected arrival. Her work in the household quietly contrasts with the family's confident discussion of class and labor.