An inspector calls, characterization Mr. Birling

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and makes racist remarks about what he calls the "half-civilised folks in the Balkans". (P. 12, L. 25/26). He is also critical of Russia, which he says will always be „behindhand naturally“ (P. 13 L. 11/12). He does not want to hear any other opinion than his own. When Eric wants to say something, Birling smugly interrupts him roughly (p. 12 L. 29) and he thinks that „German officers have too much to drink and begin talking nonsense“ (P. 12 L. 21-22). He talks a lot about things he doesn't really know anything about. For example, he says that the Titanic is unsinkable (p. 12 L. 42). Arthur Birling also knows that he and his family belongs to the part of society with privileges. He says that „we employers at last are coming together to see that your (his) interests - and the interests of Capital - are properly protected” (p. 12 L. 13 ff.). He often emphasises what contacts and influence he has in order to intimidate other people. It makes him feel more powerful. Before the inspector can talk about Eva Smith, Birling points out that he was an "alderman for years" and "Lord mayor two years ago" (P. 12 L. 40/41). He shows what importance he has, he wants to scare the inspector and keep him down. However, Birling does not care about the people who have a lower social status than him. He doesn't believe that the strike of his workers will cause problems for his business (p. 12 l. 9-12). That is why he does not want to pay them more wages and fires his employee Eva Smith after she joins the strike (p. 20 l. 40/41). Nevertheless, he does not feel guilty and "can't accept any responsibility" (p. 19 L. 22). This shows that he rarely blames himself, cannot accept any responsibility (unless it has something to do with his factory) and his reputation is more important to him than anything else. He is afraid of the consequences for himself and his factory that the Eva Smith affair could bring, and so again tries to intimidate the inspector (P. 21 L. 23/14).