GCSE Literature: (9) ‘An Inspector Calls’ – The Characterisation of Sheila Birling

Character Analysis of Sheila Birling in Priestley's An Inspector Calls Explore the complex and evolving character of Sheila Birling in J.B. Priestley's thought-provoking play An Inspector Calls. This complete 90-minute PowerPoint lesson guides learners through textual analysis activities to understand Sheila's privileged upbringing and values, her interactions with the mysterious Inspector Goole that reveal her growing self-awareness, and her ultimate transformation. Whether utilized in whole-group instruction, small student teams, or individual assignments, these materials provide rich fodder for discussing characterization, social inequality issues in Edwardian England that still resonate today, and how personal accountability can drive positive reform. With focused discussion prompts and primary text excerpts for close reading, this turnkey high school ELA resource enables multifaceted exploration of Priestley's enduring social commentary.