1. An Inspector
Calls

2. Objectives
To look at the dramatic aspects of An
Inspector Calls and consider how
they are effective.
To consolidate understanding of
Act 1

3. Task 1
 You are making a new film version of An
Inspector Calls
 You are the Casting Director and you need to
decide who you want as your actors. Choose
actors to play three of the main characters
and explain why you have chosen them.

4. Task 2 - reminder
 Look at the staging instructions at the
beginning of act one
 On the handout mark where you feel each of
the characters would be sitting and note if
there is any significance in their position
 Use arrows to point to the features of the set
and what impact it has on the audience,
consider the lighting, furniture and the meal
itself

5. Arthur Birling Sybil Birling
Sheila Birling
Gerald Croft Eric Birling

6. Task 2
 How does the inspector take control?
 Create a mind map and ensure you have
quotes to use as evidence

7. The Inspector is The Inspector cuts over the
given stage comments of the other
directions to characters. P22 “You heard what
indicate attitude I said before …” Also P23 “never
and pace and mind about that”
for effect.P16
rather slowlyP12
coolly P13
gravely
Inspector “moves nearer a
light” p21 to show photo to
Sheila Significance of light
Shows photo to one at a time and realisation
Shows he is in control by not
answering but asking questions
The Inspector uses a lot of short “its my duty to ask questions”
formal sentences

8. A sense of unease
There is some clues that indicate a hidden
tension within this family gathering.
 How is Eric behaving
 Why is Sheila questioning Gerald
 Where are Gerald’s parents
 What do you consider the relationship
between Sybil and Arthur Birling
 What do we think of Arthur Birling’s
judgement

9. Dramatic tension
 In pairs, consider how the following effects the
tension and atmosphere in the play. Be ready to
feedback your ideas to the class.
3. The use of dramatic irony – how do we perceive the
Birlings at first. How does our view change? Can
you find any examples of irony?
5. The use of the doorbell as a sound effect (p10, p49)
7. The use of lighting (p10, p21)

10. Plenary - Omniscient
 The Inspector could be
said to be omniscient
 What does this mean?
 If this is the case, what
do you feel about the
Inspector