Priestley presents the Inspector as an intelligent and dominant character, who refuses to let Mr Birling intimidate him. He uses him as a vessel to promote his views on social inequality. In contrast, Mr Birling is portrayed as an ignorant capitalist hypocrite, who is greatly opposed to new ideas like socialism. The increasing conflict and tension through their opposing ideologies, together with the author’s clever use of form, structure and language, enhances Priestley’s message to the audience about the importance of social responsibility and the need to create a better future.
