Arthur is a wealthy mill owner and former mayor of Brumley who expects to receive a knighthood. He hosts a lavish dinner to celebrate his daughter's engagement, viewing the marriage as a lucrative business opportunity. He holds strong capitalist views, frequently lecturing younger men on the importance of self-reliance and minding one's own business. He fired Eva Smith from his factory after she asked for higher wages.

Sheila is Arthur and Sybil's daughter, enjoying the financial privileges of her upper-class upbringing. She admires her new engagement ring and appears relatively carefree at the start of the evening. She is perceptive, quickly noticing the defensive behavior of the men around her when the police inspector arrives.

Eric is the son of Arthur and Sybil, currently employed at his father's manufacturing company. He behaves nervously at the engagement dinner and drinks heavily, a habit his parents actively ignore. He harbors quietly dissenting views about his father's harsh business practices but struggles to articulate them forcefully.

Goole is a mysterious police inspector who visits the Birling home to investigate the death of a young working-class woman. He questions the family members one by one, refusing to show deference to Arthur's wealth or political connections. He maintains a blunt, systematic interrogation style that unsettles the wealthy household.

Sybil is Arthur's wife and a strict adherent to Edwardian social etiquette. She frequently corrects her family's manners and attempts to maintain a pristine public image. She uses her elevated social status to dismiss uncomfortable conversations and enforce domestic formality.

Gerald is an aristocratic young man engaged to Sheila Birling. He works for his father's manufacturing company, which has long rivaled Arthur's business. He is polished, socially adept, and aligns comfortably with Arthur's conservative business philosophies.

Eva is a young working-class woman whose death by swallowing chemical disinfectant prompts Inspector Goole's investigation. She previously worked at Arthur Birling's factory but lost her position after organizing a strike for higher wages. Her struggles represent the difficult conditions faced by manual laborers in Edwardian England.

Edna is the maid serving the Birling household. She announces guests and manages the dining room, representing the working-class individuals employed within wealthy domestic spaces. She acts as the physical bridge between the outside world and the enclosed drawing room.