instructions in a play that describe how to move, speak, or behave, and the setting, lighting, and sound to help convey the atmosphere and tone

how a character's traits and personality are revealed through their actions, dialogue, and interactions

portray characters realistically, focusing on natural dialogue, movements, and emotions to reflect real life

exaggerate gestures, expressions, and speech to create a more dramatic and impactful effect

'An Inspector Calls': the importance of setting and stage directions

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.

Modern text: first study

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

The stage directions in a play include...

In 'An Inspector Calls' which words does Priestley use to describe the lighting at the start of Act 1?

“attractive” “well-bred” “man-about-town”

Match the characters from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct words used to describe them in the stage directions.

Is the answer true or false? A **naturalistic** delivery refers to the portrayal of characters realistically, focusing on authentic dialogue, movements and emotions to reflect real life.

In 'An Inspector Calls', which word is used in the stage directions to describe how the Inspector "surveys" the family in his final speech?

The Birlings are having a serious family argument.

The Birlings are celebrating the engagement of Sheila and Gerald.

The Inspector arrives to investigate a crime.

The Birlings are discussing their political views.

What is happening at the start of 'An Inspector Calls'?

Where is Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls' set?

believes in individual responsibility over collective responsibility

supports workers’ rights and fair wages

dismisses the importance of social responsibility

Which of the answers is **false**? In 'An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling...

In 'An Inspector Calls', which character refuses to help Eva Smith when she comes to the charity for support?

Fires Eva Smith for her role in a workers' dispute over pay.

Stole money to to help Eva Smith after discovering her pregnancy.

Has Eva Smith fired over jealousy of a dress.

Had an affair with Eva Smith and supported her financially for a time.

Match the characters from 'An Inspector Calls' to the correct description of their role in Eva Smith's death.

The costumes and props used by the actors.

The physical environment where the action takes place.

What does the term 'setting' refer to in a play?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz