Act 1
In Act 1, Gerald states, "I think my father would agree to that, too." This statement reveals the similarity between Gerald's family's beliefs and the Birlings' beliefs regarding the business world. It portrays Gerald as an entitled, wealthy, upper-class individual with no social responsibility. By aligning himself with capitalist ideals, Gerald positions himself on the villainous side of the story, showing his disregard for individuals.
Act 2
Gerald's admission, "I didn't feel about her as she felt about me," exposes his lack of genuine feelings for Eva. He used her for a sexual relationship and kept her as his mistress. Priestley uses this to illustrate how upper-class individuals would selfishly pursue their desires, regardless of the impact on others. Gerald's lack of remorse or genuine sorrow for how he treated Eva highlights his lack of empathy and his self-perceived heroism in "rescuing" Eva and providing her with money.
Act 3
In Act 3, Gerald's offer to give Sheila her engagement ring back after she breaks the engagement showcases his unchanged nature. It implies that he wants to erase the affair and return to normalcy, disregarding the impact of his actions and expecting Sheila to overlook the Inspector's revelations. This lack of growth or learning from the story demonstrates Gerald's unchanged character.
Gerald Croft's actions and key quotes in each act of "An Inspector Calls" provide insight into his character and the thematic elements of the play. These quotes and their analysis serve as a critical aspect of understanding Gerald Croft's role and influence in the narrative.
