'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector
I can understand the role, presentation and significance of the Inspector.
'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector
I can understand the role, presentation and significance of the Inspector.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Priestley establishes the Inspector as an ominous and imposing presence in Act 1.
- Priestley reveals that the Inspector is not intimidated by class or societal power.
- The Inspector’s interrogation style could be considered unorthodox.
- The Inspector uses emotive and shocking language to provoke strong emotional reactions from the characters and audience.
- There are multiple interpretations to explain the role of the Inspector.
Keywords
Ominous - suggesting that something bad or threatening is going to happen
Imposing - having a large, impressive, or intimidating appearance
Manipulative - the controlling or influencing of others
Unorthodox - different from what is usual or traditional
Emotive - causing strong emotions or feelings
Common misconception
There is always one clear and deifnite interpretation of a charcater.
Characters can have multiple interpretations based on context, perspective, and evidence in the text. Writers like Priestley create complex characters to provoke debate and reflection.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: 'An Inspector Calls': exploring the character of the Inspector, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the An Inspector Calls: power and responsibility unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
"portentous" "provincial"
"superior" "cold"
"pretty" "excited" "pleased"
"shy" "assertive"
"massiveness" "purposefulness"
"well-bred" "man-about-town"