An Inspector Calls: Plot Summary (OCR GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

An Inspector Calls: Plot Summary

An Inspector Calls is set in 1912 and opens with the wealthy Birling family celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft. Their evening is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Inspector Goole, who is investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith.

As the Inspector questions each family member, it is revealed that they all had a role in Eva's tragic death. Arthur Birling had fired her from his factory for demanding higher wages. Sheila got her dismissed from her next job out of jealousy. Gerald admits to having an affair with her, and Eric Birling confesses that he got her pregnant and stole money to support her. Finally, Sybil Birling turned Eva away when she sought help from a charity.

The Inspector leaves after warning them about the consequences of their actions. The family then starts to question whether he was a real inspector. Just as they begin to relax, a phone call informs them that a real inspector is on his way to question them about a young woman's suicide, leaving them shocked and guilty.