The characters of Sheila and Eric are important in the play as; Priestley introduces them to be coming from a trouble-free, spoiled and wealthy family background where there are no problems, although later we find out that this is not the case.
Firstly, they are important since, they represent the younger generation who are open to change and equality. They are open to new ideas as well as, improvements. The evidence for this is found in act1 when, Eric and Sheila express their sympathy for the strikers which, Birling completely disagrees with being, a business man, who can only think of money and doesn’t care about others emotions and worries.
Plus, their attitudes changed throughout the play making them more interesting. The relationships Sheila and Eric had with their parents are entirely changed by the Inspector. Sheila becomes rebellious towards her parents (she didn’t take the ring back from Gerald). Along with, the relationship between brother and sister which seems the strongest of all, especially when all other family unity seems to have broken, at first they seemed to argue and hate each other; however, they do have a lot in common as they both care about others of lower classes. Sheila and Eric have nothing to fear from the visit of the 'real' inspector because they have already admitted what they have done wrong, and will change. Sheila and Eric see the human side of Eva's story and are very troubled by their part in it; they examine their conscience. This change in their behaviour and relationships give the audience hope for a better