This pattern continues with all the other characters as well, with Priestley gradually building up the suspense, and then releasing it when the audience does not really expect it. Other patterns are also apparent within the text. The Inspector’s calm and calculated manner continues throughout the text infuriating the characters and further provoking the audience’s curiosity.
Of course, the key factor of maintaining the audiences interest is through Priestley’s description of the characters and their dialogue. As stated, the Inspector’s calm and seemingly calculated manner provide points of focus for the audience. Other parts of his personality also spark interest, such as the way in which he seems very emotionally attached to the case itself (an example of this shown in how he keeps bringing up mention of Eva Smith’s death) but very emotionally detached from the rest of the characters. Also, the Inspector seems to approach the case unlike any other police officer. He very methodically chooses each character to interview in a certain order, but withdraws and holds back on certain issues and facts. This almost keeps the audience in a reverse state of dramatic irony, where upon the characters know more than the people watching them.
An example of this ‘reverse’ dramatic irony is shown through the photograph that the Inspector shows to some of the characters in the play, but not the audience. This is to heighten the tension of the moment that in turn captivates the audience. Also, the Inspector seems to be constantly raising questions about the case, which in turn he does not answer. This leaves the audience puzzled, and wanting the finish the piece so the can find the answer, or come to the conclusion themselves.
One thing that is lacking from the play, and thus has the audience asking questions that are not to be answered, is Eva Smith. As she is already dead from the start of the play, we cannot gather he opinions or feelings on any of the subjects being discussed or even whether the family is to blame. We cannot even get a true representation of her character and the influences she had on the family at the time when she was alive. This leaves a substantial gap in the plot that gives the audience a sense of intrigue throughout the story.
Due to the genre (a ‘whodunit’) the main portion of the interest that is generated is through the suspense of the plot. Through the use of suspense tactics and twists in the plot, Priestley makes sure that the audience never quite knows what to expect from the story.
Overall the key factor within the text that captivates the audiences attention is that of the characters. They are not wholly revealed to us straight away and the ‘little by little’ process that Priestley goes through to pick apart the family and their roles heightens the tension, suspense and ultimately the audience’s interest.
