TO answer this question accurately I have decided to split the answer into two halves. The Inspector tries to promote a socialist idea and to make the Birling family see things from a different view or see things in perspective
             I have decided to take two characters from the play describing them all the way through, showing any differences, influences and how successful the inspector is. Also, showing any change in the way they act and what they say to others around them. The two people I have chosen are; Mr Birling and Sheila Birling. These two, apart from being from the same family, are very different and in some cases the complete opposite.
             At the beginning of the play Mr Birling acts very self-confident and smug. He believes, strongly, in a capitalist world. You can tell this from his speech on pages nine and ten; ¡§¡K a man has to make his own way¡K¡ Birling doesn¡t know how his actions affect others. ¡§ ¡KWe were paying the usual rates and if they didn¡t like those rates, they could go and work somewhere else. It¡s a free country, I told them.¡ Eric replies ¡§It isn¡t if you can¡t go and work somewhere else.¡ He is almost self-obsessed and believes that everyone has to look after themselves and no one else. He is arrogant and doesn¡t seem to learn. He is difficult to get through to, thick-skinned and egotistical. When he detects that Eric¡s mother objects to Eric marrying Sheila he replies with this speech. ¡§¡K there¡s a fair chance that I might find my way into the next honours list. Just a knighthood, of course. ¡K Well when she comes back, you might drop a hint to her.¡ He loves the sound of his own voice and likes to make speeches. Also, he is snobbish which is very true of Edwardian society.
             The Inspector tries to change this by showing him exactly how his capitalist view can affect others. ¡§But just remember this. One Eva Smith has gone ¡V but there are millions...