Character Profile: Inspector Goole

J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls features the mysterious and thought-provoking character of Inspector Goole. His arrival at the Birling household disrupts their celebration and forces them to confront uncomfortable truths. His role in the play is central to its message, and his presence serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama.

Inspector Goole’s Role in the Play

Inspector Goole is introduced early in the play when he arrives unexpectedly at the Birling family’s dinner party. He claims to be investigating the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. Throughout the play, he interrogates each member of the Birling family and Gerald Croft, revealing how their actions contributed to Eva’s tragic fate. His purpose is not just to uncover facts but to make the characters—and the audience—reflect on social responsibility and morality

Character Traits

Mysterious and Ambiguous

One of the most intriguing aspects of Inspector Goole is his mysterious nature. His name, “Goole,” sounds like “ghoul,” hinting that he might be more than just an ordinary inspector. He appears to know everything in advance and seems almost supernatural in his ability to predict reactions and expose secrets.

Authoritative and Commanding

Inspector Goole holds power over the Birlings despite being their social inferior. He controls the pace of the investigation, refusing to be intimidated by Mr. Birling’s wealth and status. He speaks firmly and assertively, cutting through the characters’ excuses and forcing them to face their responsibilities.

Moral and Just

Unlike the Birlings, who prioritize wealth and reputation, the Inspector values justice and compassion. He stands for the idea that everyone in society is responsible for one another. His speech near the end of the play conveys Priestley’s socialist message: “We are responsible for each other.”

Inspector Goole’s Methods

Goole uses a direct and methodical approach to interrogate the Birlings. He works systematically, questioning each person in turn and revealing their individual connections to Eva Smith. Unlike a traditional detective, he is less interested in legal consequences and more focused on moral accountability. He doesn’t allow the characters to evade responsibility and insists that their actions, however small, had a significant impact on Eva’s life.

Relationships with Other Characters

Themes Represented by Inspector Goole

Social Responsibility

Goole’s main purpose is to highlight the theme of social responsibility. He challenges the Birlings to recognise that their actions affect others and that society should not be divided by class and wealth.

Guilt and Conscience

The Inspector forces each character to confront their conscience. Some, like Sheila and Eric, learn from their mistakes, while others, like Mr. and Mrs. Birling, refuse to accept responsibility.

Class and Power

The play critiques the rigid class structure of early 20th-century Britain. Inspector Goole, despite having no social status, exerts moral authority over the wealthy Birlings, demonstrating that character and ethics are more important than money and influence.

The Inspector’s Final Speech

One of the most memorable moments in the play is Goole’s final speech. He warns the characters (and the audience) that society must change, or it will face dire consequences. His words—“fire, blood, and anguish”—suggest that if people do not learn to care for one another, wars and suffering will follow. This speech is a direct reference to Priestley’s belief in socialism and collective responsibility.

Who or What is Inspector Goole?

The play leaves Goole’s true identity ambiguous. He could be:

• A real police inspector investigating a crime.

• A ghostly or supernatural figure sent to warn the Birlings.

• A representation of the collective conscience or moral judgment.

• A time traveler from the future, warning them of the consequences of their actions.

The lack of a clear answer adds to his mysterious presence and forces the audience to focus on his message rather than his identity.

Goole is the most significant character in An Inspector Calls. He serves as Priestley’s mouthpiece, delivering a powerful critique of capitalism and selfishness. His authority, moral integrity, and mysterious nature make him a interesting figure who leaves a lasting impact on both the characters and audience. Whether real or symbolic, his purpose is clear: to remind everyone that their actions have consequences and that society must embrace responsibility and empathy.