At the Birlings' home in the industrial town of Brumley, Arthur Birlinga wealthy factory owner and local politiciancelebrates his daughter Sheila's engagement to a rival magnate's son, Gerald Croft. Also in attendance are Arthur's wife Sybil and their son Eric (whose drinking problem the family discreetly ignores). Following dinner, Arthur lectures them on the importance of self-reliance and looking after one's own, and talks of the bright future that awaits them (which, he hopes, will include a place for himself on the honours list).