Exploring the Inspector as an archetype in 'An Inspector Calls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how and why Priestley presents the Inspector as a character archetype.
Key learning points
- Priestley reimagines the maverick detective to expose moral corruption, not solve a crime.
- The Inspector embodies the rogue archetype—committed to justice beyond the law and unafraid to challenge authority.
- Priestley reshapes this archetype to serve his political message on class and responsibility.
- Using archetypes doesn’t limit originality but helps explore universal themes in new ways.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley, Heinemann 2014 edition.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'An Inspector Calls', what is the significance of the Inspector's mysterious background?
Q2.In 'An Inspector Calls' the inspector's full name is Inspector .
Q3.Put the plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' in the correct chronological order.
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?
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', the doorbell rings to signal the entrance of the Inspector. Which word does Priestley use to describe its sound?
Q6.In 'An Inspector Calls', which words does Priestley use to describe the way the Inspector should talk?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'a' can be described as a typical character, situation, or symbol representing universal human experiences?
Q2.Which of the following answers would not be considered a typical characteristic of the rogue or maverick Inspector archetype?
Q3.In 'An Inspector Calls' which adverb does Priestley use to describe the Inspector's interruptions?
Q4.In Act 2 of 'An Inspector Calls', the Inspector tells Mr Birling not to…
Q5.In 'An Inspector Calls', how does the Inspector subtly control the investigation and the Birlings' responses?
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?
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
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: perspectives on crime, justice and the role of the Inspector unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.