The Birling family is a fictional family from the play "An Inspector Calls," written by J.B. Priestley. They are a wealthy industrial family living in England during the early 20th century. The family consists of Arthur Birling, the patriarch, his wife Sybil, their daughter Sheila, their son Eric, and Gerald Croft, Sheila's fiancé. The Birlings represent the upper class and their attitudes towards social responsibility. The play unfolds during a dinner party when an unexpected visitor, Inspector Goole, arrives to investigate the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith. As the inspector questions each family member, their connections to Eva are revealed, highlighting themes of social responsibility and the impact of individual actions on others. The Birling family's reactions reflect their differing views on morality and accountability.