How to Revise "An Inspector Calls"
- May 17
- 6 min read
An Inspector Calls is a powerful play packed with social commentary, family drama and moral questions. Even though it was written in 1945 and set in 1912, its themes and messages still feel relevant today.
Revising it for your GCSE English Literature exam might feel overwhelming at first, but this guide will walk you through the plot, characters, themes and key quotes, as well as some practical revision strategies.
What the Exam Involves
For the An Inspector Calls question on the AQA GCSE English Literature paper, you will need to:
Respond to a question about a character or theme.
Show a close understanding of the play and its key ideas.
Analyse Priestley’s language, structure and dramatic techniques.
Consider the play’s context - especially the contrast between 1912 (when it's set) and 1945 (when it was written).
Revision Tip: You won’t have an extract from the play in the exam so will need to memorise key quotes to support your argument effectively.
How to Revise the Plot
While the entire play takes place in one room over a single evening, the emotional and moral journey the characters take is huge.
Understanding the sequence of events matters but, more importantly, you need think about how each revelation affects the characters and the audience.
The play opens with the wealthy Birling family celebrating Sheila’s engagement to Gerald. Everyone is comfortable, confident and sure of their good reputation and privileged social status.
That is, until Inspector Goole arrives, investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith.
As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that every member of the family (and Gerald) played a role in Eva’s suffering. From Mr Birling firing her, to Sheila getting her sacked from a shop, to Gerald’s affair, Eric’s behaviour and Mrs Birling’s refusal to help her, the truth becomes more painful with each revelation.
The play ends with a dramatic twist: was the Inspector real? Did Eva actually exist?
And, perhaps more importantly, does it actually matter?
Revision Tip: Think about the structure. The play is carefully crafted to reveal information gradually, building tension and encouraging reflection.
How to Revise the Key Themes
Theme | Explanation | Key Quote |
Responsibility | The central idea. Who is to blame for Eva’s death? Priestley explores personal and collective responsibility. | “We are members of one body.” |
Class | Priestley uses the sharp contrast between the wealthy Birlings and the working class Eva to criticise the unfairness of the class system. | “Girls of that class...” |
Generational Divide | The younger generation in this play change and learn but the older generation refuse to. | “The younger ones are more impressionable.” |
Gender | Priestley highlights the limited options and poor treatment of women like Eva. | “She was young and pretty and warm-hearted.” |
Morality vs Legality | What’s legal isn’t always moral. Priestley draws a clear line between law and conscience. | “You’re not the kind of father a chap could go to.” |
Revision Tip: Use colour-coded mind maps to link quotes to each theme as this will make it easier to revise them together.
How to Revise the Characters
If you're looking to achieve high marks in your exam, you'll need to show how each character changes (or refuses to) and what Priestley uses them to represent.
Mr Birling
A confident, self-important businessman who dismisses community responsibility and likes to make long speeches full of dramatic irony, such as his optimistic claims about the Titanic and war.
Mrs Birling
Sybil Birling is cold and judgemental. She runs a charity but denies Eva help and refuses to accept responsibility even when the truth is revealed.
Sheila
Although she begins the play as immature and spoilt, Sheila becomes thoughtful and self-aware, showing genuine remorse for her actions and challenging her parents.
Eric
Although Eric's character is troubled and flawed, he's also deeply affected by the Inspector’s questioning, owns up to his mistakes and wants to change.
Gerald
Initially, Gerald shows some compassion for Eva's plight but quickly reverts to self-preservation and, by the end of the play, seems to have learned less from the Inspector than Sheila and Eric.
Inspector Goole
Mysterious, calm and morally driven, the Inspector controls the pace of the play and delivers its key messages.
Revision Tip: Learn at least one strong quote per character that links to a theme.
For example, Mr Birling’s “a man has to mind his own business” directly opposes the Inspector’s “we are members of one body.”
How to Memorise Quotes
Although it might not feel like it, you don't need to memorise half of the play in order to do well in your GCSE English Literature exam. Just focus on versatile, high-value quotes that you can use across different questions.
For example:
“We are members of one body. We are responsible for each other.” (Inspector Goole)
Themes: Social responsibility and class.
Use for: The Inspector’s role and Priestley’s message.
“The girl’s dead and we all helped to kill her – and that’s what matters.” (Eric)
Themes: Guilt and collective responsibility.
Use for: Eric’s development and the generational divide.
“They will be taught it in fire and blood and anguish.” (Inspector Goole)
Themes: Consequences, responsibility and war.
Use for: Priestley’s warning and the Inspector as a moral force.
Try:
Recording yourself saying the quotes and listening back.
Writing quotes on sticky notes and placing them around your room.
Drawing simple visuals to represent key scenes.
Creating flashcards with the quote on one side and its explanation on the back.
Revision Tip: Aim to learn 5 - 6 quotes per major character or theme. That’s usually enough to tackle most questions confidently.
How to Structure Your Essay
A clear structure is key to writing a confident and focused essay.
Introduction
Respond directly to the question.
Mention how the play as a whole supports your point.
Include context if it helps explain Priestley’s message.
Main Body
Start each paragraph with a clear point.
Use a quote to support your idea.
Analyse the language or dramatic method.
Link to a theme and add relevant context.
Conclusion
Summarise your key points.
End with Priestley’s message: what does he want the audience to think, feel or change?
Revision Tip: Practise writing single paragraphs from past paper questions. This builds confidence without the pressure of writing a full essay every time.
Tackling the Question on Exam Day
Read the question carefully and highlight key words.
Plan your answer before writing.
Stay focused on Priestley’s message and dramatic techniques.
Leave time to check your punctuation and spelling.
Final Thoughts
To revise An Inspector Calls effectively, focus on these key areas:
Understand the plot and how it develops Priestley’s message.
Learn a manageable selection of key quotes.
Explore how the characters represent ideas.
Practise essay structure and analytical writing.
With regular practice, thoughtful revision and a clear grasp of Priestley’s intentions, you’ll feel more confident tackling the exam.
Good luck!
Unsure How to Start Your "An Inspector Calls" Revision?
Why not check out my "Revise An Inspector Calls in 30 Days" Revision Plan?
You'll find 30 quick and simple revision tasks, each taking less than 30 minutes, helping you cover the play's key plot points, characters, themes and context.
For more detailed guidance, you might like the "An Inspector Calls Revision Guide" by EHS Masterclass.
Found This Useful? You’re In The Right Place.
The EHS Blog contains a variety of useful guides to help you master GCSE English Language and Literature.
Whether you’re revising key texts like Macbeth and An Inspector Calls, tackling tricky language questions or brushing up on your essay skills, there’s plenty more to explore.
Head back to the EHS Blog to keep your revision on track!
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