In this deck, we will analyse the character of Gerald Croft from 'An Inspector Calls'. Gerald is a fascinating character because he sits uncomfortably between the older Birlings and the younger generation. We'll explore his affair with Eva Smith, his initial guilt, and his final decision to protect his own social standing, which reveals Priestley's critique of the upper class.

At the start of the play, Gerald is presented as a confident young man from a socially superior family. He is engaged to Sheila Birling, uniting the Croft family's 'old money' with the Birlings' 'new money'. He is comfortable and self-assured, and initially, his views align perfectly with Mr Birling's capitalist and individualistic mindset.

Gerald's involvement with Eva Smith, who he knew as Daisy Renton, is revealed in Act Two. He meets her at the Palace Bar and 'rescues' her from the advances of Alderman Meggarty. He then sets her up in a friend's empty rooms at Morgan Terrace, and she becomes his mistress. For a time, he becomes, in his own words, the most important person in her life.