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Year 11
Eduqas

Exploring the Inspector as an archetype in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how and why Priestley presents the Inspector as a character archetype.

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New
New
Year 11
Eduqas

Exploring the Inspector as an archetype in 'An Inspector Calls'

I can explain how and why Priestley presents the Inspector as a character archetype.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Priestley reimagines the maverick detective to expose moral corruption, not solve a crime.
  2. The Inspector embodies the rogue archetype—committed to justice beyond the law and unafraid to challenge authority.
  3. Priestley reshapes this archetype to serve his political message on class and responsibility.
  4. Using archetypes doesn’t limit originality but helps explore universal themes in new ways.
  5. The Inspector's interrogation style reflects the maverick archetype in its authoritative and relentless style.

Keywords

  • Archetype - a typical character, situation, or symbol representing universal human experiences

  • Maverick - an independent thinker who challenges norms, takes risks and often goes against tradition or authority

  • Rogue - a person who behaves unpredictably, often defying rules and conventions

  • Relentless - someone who is persistent and never gives up, no matter the difficulty

  • Ruthless - a person who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, regardless of the consequences for others

Common misconception

Writers always create entirely original characters, and using similar character types or archetypes makes a story unoriginal.

Archetypes explore universal themes, evolving with context. Writers reshape them, making characters unique while keeping familiar depth.


To help you plan your year 11 English lesson on: Exploring the Inspector as an archetype in 'An Inspector Calls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to share your own examples of inspectors or detectives from literature, film and TV, using extracts or media clips to draw out and explore examples.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the significance of the Inspector's mysterious background?
Correct answer: It suggests that he may not be real, adding a supernatural element to the play.
It shows that he is an ordinary police officer with no special qualities.
It reveals that he has a personal connection to the Birlings.
It shows that he is not committed to solving the case.
Q2.
In 'An Inspector Calls' the inspector's full name is Inspector .
Correct Answer: Goole, goole
Q3.
Put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in the correct chronological order.
1 - The Inspector arrives at the Birling household, investigating Eva Smith’s death.
2 - He begins questioning Mr Birling about his role in firing Eva from his factory.
3 - He interrogates Sheila, uncovering her role in having Eva fired from a shop.
4 - The Inspector reveals that Eva Smith changed her name to Daisy Renton.
5 - The Inspector questions Gerald, revealing his affair with Eva Smith.
6 - The Inspector exposes Mrs Birling’s role in denying Eva help at the charity.
7 - He forces Eric to confess and it is revealed that he's the father of Eva's baby.
Q4.
In Act 3 of 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector delivers a speech where he states that men will be taught a lesson. Which words does he use to describe how or where this will happen?
Correct answer: "fire"
"prison"
Correct answer: "blood"
Correct answer: "anguish"
"hell"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', the doorbell rings to signal the entrance of the Inspector. Which word does Priestley use to describe its sound?
Correct answer: "sharply"
"softly"
"loudly"
"deafeningly"
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', which words does Priestley use to describe the way the Inspector should talk?
"loudly"
Correct answer: "carefully"
Correct answer: "weightily"
"dramatically"
"sarcastically"

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which word beginning with 'a' can be described as a typical character, situation, or symbol representing universal human experiences?
Correct Answer: archetype, archetypal, Archetype
Q2.
Which of the following answers would not be considered a typical characteristic of the rogue or maverick Inspector archetype?
a commitment to justice and morality above legal boundaries
Correct answer: an ability to follow protocol meticulously
a willingness to bend or break the rules for the ‘greater good’
dominance, directness, and relentless interrogation tactics
challenge authority, often acting alone or against traditional methods
Q3.
In 'An Inspector Calls' which adverb does Priestley use to describe the Inspector's interruptions?
"disrespectfully"
"enormously"
Correct answer: "massively"
"loudly"
Q4.
In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector tells Mr Birling not to…
“interrupt”
Correct answer: "stammer"
“shout”
"listen"
Q5.
In 'An Inspector Calls', how does the Inspector subtly control the investigation and the Birlings' responses?
Correct answer: by selectively showing a photograph to each person
by threatening them with legal consequences
by revealing a letter written by Eva Smith
by using a newspaper article to expose their actions
Q6.
In 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector uses emotive and graphic words to describe Eva's death. Which words does he use to describe how she died?
"sadness"
Correct answer: "misery"
Correct answer: "agony"
Correct answer: "peace"
"loneliness"