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Year 10
AQA

'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila

I can understand and explain the presentation and significance of Sheila in ‘An Inspector Calls’.

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Year 10
AQA

'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of Sheila

I can understand and explain the presentation and significance of Sheila in ‘An Inspector Calls’.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Sheila’s journey in the play can be described as transformative.
  2. The Inspector emotionally impacts Sheila and acknowledges she is “impressionable”.
  3. Sheila aligns herself with the Inspector’s purpose and moral messages.
  4. The younger generation being seen as a symbol of change and hope is a timeless idea.
  5. Priestley uses Sheila, a member of the younger generation, to explore ideas around hope and optimism.

Keywords

  • Transformative - causing a significant change or improvement in someone or something

  • Enlightened - gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths

  • Optimism - the belief or attitude that things will turn out well, looking at the positive side of situations

  • Societal norms - the accepted rules, behaviors, and values that are considered normal or typical in a society or group

  • Moral - relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, or what is considered good or bad in society

Common misconception

Sheila's transformation guarantees societal change.

While her growth is significant, it doesn't ensure broader social progress, as societal norms and traditions play a major role.

The discussion and debate tasks in this lesson can also be completed as written tasks if that suits the needs of your pupils better.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these answers are true? In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is...
Correct answer: Gerald Croft's fiancé
Correct answer: Mr. and Mrs. Birling's daughter
mother to Eric and Sybil
Correct answer: Eric's sister
Daisy Renton's cousin
Q2.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the name of the department store where Eva Smith worked?
Correct answer: Milward's
Milton's
Meggarty's
Q3.
Starting with the first, put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in chronological order. They are all focused on the character of Sheila.
1 - Sheila is engaged to Gerald Croft at the start of the play.
2 - Sheila is upset when the Inspector arrives and starts questioning the family.
3 - Sheila reveals her role in getting Eva Smith fired from the department store.
4 - Sheila learns of Gerald's affair with Eva Smith and feels betrayed.
5 - Sheila takes responsibility for her actions and questions her parents.
6 - Sheila becomes more self-aware, symbolising hope for generational change.
Q4.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which words are used to describe Sheila in the stage directions of Act 1?
"shy"
Correct answer: "pretty"
Correct answer: "pleased"
Correct answer: "excited"
"superior"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila begs her mother not to put up a "wall" between them and the Inspector. What technique is Priestley using here?
hyperbole
simile
Correct answer: metaphor
alliteration
Q6.
Is the answer true or false? At the end of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila is relieved that they can all going back to living their usual lives.
Correct Answer: False, f

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following do not share etymological roots with the name 'Sheila'?
heavenly
Correct answer: moral
blind-one
question
request
Q2.
Is the answer true or false? In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', Sheila says she "respects" Gerald.
Correct Answer: True, t
Q3.
Which word beginning with 'e' can be described as: 'gaining knowledge, understanding, or awareness, especially about important issues or truths.'?
Correct Answer: enlightened, enlightenment, enlighten, enlightening
Q4.
In 'An Inspector Calls', Priestley uses emotive language to emphasise the emotional impact the Inspector has on Sheila. Which words can be found in the stage directions to describe Sheila?
Correct answer: "distressed"
Correct answer: "frightened"
Correct answer: "agitated"
"confused"
"baffled"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector says that young ones are more...
"challenging"
Correct answer: "impressionable"
"optimistic"
"difficult"
"malleable"
Q6.
How does Sheila's transformation throughout 'An Inspector Calls' reflect Priestley's views on social responsibility?
Sheila’s change is personal, with no broader societal impact.
Correct answer: Sheila’s growth shows how individual change can inspire social responsibility.
Sheila rejects the Inspector’s views, showing no faith in social change.
Sheila’s transformation highlights the older generation’s stubbornness.