Want a deeper understanding of TThe Great Gatsby Characters?
The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925. It is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. And its characters are some of the most iconic in all of fiction.
In this post we present the main characters of The Great Gatsby and briefly analyze each one of them.
table of contents
Who is Gatsby?
Gatsby is a character in the novel The Great Gatsby. He is a rich man who lives in a mansion and throws lavish parties. He is also known for his mysterious past and his love for the book character Daisy Buchanan.
The Great Gatsby Analysis of the American Dream
List and analysis of Great Gatsby characters
1. Nick Carraway
Who is Nick in the Great Gatsby? Nick Carraway is a recent Yale graduate who moves to Long Island to pursue his career as a bond salesman. In contrast to the extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy elite around him, he is a naive and gentle soul. As Bick's journey progresses, he gains wisdom and insight. He becomes more conscientious and somewhat jaded, but he never loses his kindness or integrity.
Nick narrates the story while assuming the role of protagonist. He undergoes the greatest transformation over the course of the novel.
He has close ties to several of the characters. But he becomes fascinated by Gatsby and his parties and earns an invitation to his inner circle. Help reunite Gatsby and Daisy.
2.Jay Gatsby
Gatsby is a classic example of "Rags to Riches". He exemplifies both the good and the bad of the American dream. He rose from rags to incredible wealth through hard work, determination and luck. But he used immoral means to accumulate wealth and power.
His story is both an inspiration and a wake-up call. On the one hand, it demonstrates what is possible with dedication and ambition. On the other hand, it shows the dangers of greed and the blind pursuit of wealth and power.
Gatsby loved Daisy, but he was poor. By the time she returned from World War I service, Daisy had married Tom Buchanan. He spent the rest of his life trying to win back his love. Although Gatsby and Daisy returned, it didn't last long. He demands that she tell Tom that she never loved him and that his mysterious past put an end to their relationship.
Gatsby is a complicated character. Gatsby personifies the American dream. He provides a motivating example for those looking to pursue their dreams of success. But he also represents a failure of the American dream. His obsession with status, power and possessions leads to his demise. His journey shows the power of perseverance, commitment and risk-taking in the quest for success.
3. Margarita Buchanan
Daisy Buchanan was a beautiful young woman from a wealthy family in Louisville, Kentucky. She was blessed with a prosperous lifestyle. She is married to Tom Buchanan, a man of considerable wealth, but the marriage is not a loving one. Daisy was the epitome of what Gatsby was looking for, but he was too blinded by his desire for her to admit his faults.
To Nick, Daisy was careless and always resorting to his money to get out of a sticky situation. Her most famous phrase was "pretty silly", referring to the best a woman could be in the world because an intelligent woman would see whether she is used or not loved.
4. Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan, Daisy's wealthy husband, was born into a wealthy family and lived a luxurious life. He played polo, drove fast cars and rode horses. He never had to work hard and enjoyed the good life. However, he was also a very selfish man. He was always having an affair and always trying to control Daisy. He was a very negative character and didn't represent the American Dream in a positive light. He was never satisfied and always wanted more. He was racist and worried that other races were gaining power.
5. Jordan Baker
Jordan Baker was a friend and golf partner of Daisy Buchanan. She was an attractive woman, with an athletic, fit build, sunburned gray eyes, and hair the color of autumn leaves. During The Great Gatsby, Jordan Baker played some major roles. Jordan was also a professional golfer. It is revealed that she is engaged to another man at the end of the novel. Through her interactions, she provided insight into Daisy and Nick's characters.
6. Myrtle Wilson
Myrtle Wilson was Tom Buchanan's lover in The Great Gatsby. She married George Wilson, who owned a dilapidated garage in the Valley of Ashes. Myrtle was a cheating wife looking for a way to take control of her life. She sought freedom in her affair with Tom, who was much wealthier than her husband.
Unfortunately, she too fell victim to Tom's cruelty. He treated her without respect or consideration for her wants and needs. Myrtle met a painful end due to her poor decisions with men. The selfishness of the Great Gatsby character caused a tragic chain reaction.
7. Jorge Wilson See More
George Wilson was the epitome of the downtrodden working class. He lived in the desolate Valley of Ashes with his wife and humbly followed his orders. After her tragic death, his pain was palpable and it seemed he blamed himself for not being able to help it. Not only did Tom Buchanan use George's wife, but Tom also used George to do his bad bidding. George kills Gatsby and himself, giving Tom and Daisy a fresh start.
8. Y Cody
Dan Cody's influence on Jay Gatsby was profound. He adopted the teenager, renamed him and gave him five years to learn about the millionaire's life aboard his yacht. This allowed Gatsby to create and build a new identity. He absorbed the identity of wealth and luxury that Cody exuded. It was Cody's example that inspired Gatsby to become a wealthy man. He also gave Gatsby his famous catchphrase, "old sport".
9. Meyer Wolfsheim
Meyer Wolfsheim was an integral part of Gatsby's life. It provided financial stability and a clandestine identity on the North Shore of Long Island. Nick described him as a “small, snub-nosed Jew” and felt uncomfortable in his presence. Through Wolfsheim, we learn more about Gatsby's honorable character. He said that Gatsby "would never look at a friend's wife". This statement complicates Gatsby's character. Either it's not true, or Gatsby loves Daisy enough to sacrifice her principles. Additionally, her role in Gatsby's life gives us insight into his personal development.
10. Captain of the Rock Ewing
Ewing Klipspringer is a character in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. He is a friend of Jay Gatsby and an occasional guest at his parties. Klipspringer is a pianist and composer who lives off the generosity of others. The narrator describes him as an "elegant young man with sad eyes" and a "melancholy mouth". Klipspringer is a minor character in the novel, but provides some comic relief. This helps create the feeling that Gatsby's parties are decadent and excessive. He is also a symbol of the superficiality and emptiness of the lives of the rich in romance.
Traits and analysis of the characters of The Outsiders
common questions
Who are the characters in The Great Gatsby?
The main characters of The Great Gatsby are Nick Carraway, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan and Jordan Baker.
What are the three main characters in The Great Gatsby?
The three main characters of The Great Gatsby are Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan.
Who is the most important character in The Great Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby is the main focus of the novel. But Nick brings all the characters in the book together. This gives us an idea of the characters in The Great Gatsby.
What characteristics define the characters of The Great Gatsby?
Selfish ambition for wealth and status drove the characters of The Great Gatsby. They had no empathy for each other and had no problem using each other. Daisy Buchanan was a flamboyant socialite who seemed to care more about a luxurious lifestyle than her family. Jordan Baker was an ambitious woman willing to use men to achieve her success. Ewing Klipspringer was a greedy businessman willing to take advantage of anyone who could help him financially.
How does the search for the characters of The Great Gatsby unfold?
The pursuit of the characters in The Great Gatsby was wealth, social advancement, and power. Money was an important force in their lives, as each sought to gain something from its power. Gatsby wanted to amass enough wealth to win back his lost love, Daisy. In contrast, Tom sought to create a new life as an elite citizen of the United States. Daisy wanted to fit into high society and her vanity led her to seek any means necessary.
As their desires intensified, they became more and more desperate. They were willing to do whatever it took to achieve their goals. Betraying those close to them or sacrificing their happiness didn't bother them. Unfortunately, their obsessions have led them down a dark path. They could not see beyond their materialistic desires and the dangers that awaited them.
How does the setting of The Great Gatsby affect the characters?
The Roaring Twenties were a time of economic and social turmoil. This has spawned many immoral behaviors such as greed, desire for power and wealth, and lack of empathy. This scenario inspired the passions, dreams and desires of the characters. Some of these visions of success were admirable or romantic. But they often led to tragic results, such as suicide or murder, when they didn't proceed. The novel allows readers to reflect on the times and consider the consequences.
The Great Gatsby 2013 Cast
The cast of the 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby included some big names. Leonardo DiCaprio played Jay Gatsby, Tobey Maguire played Nick Carraway, Carey Mulligan played Daisy Buchanan, Joel Edgerton played Tom Buchanan and Isla Fisher played Myrtle Wilson. The film was directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Cast of The Great Gatsby 1974
The 1974 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby starred Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby and Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan. The cast included Sam Waterston as Nick Carraway, Bruce Dern as Tom Buchanan, Karen Black as Jordan Baker, Scott Wilson as George Wilson and Lois Chiles as Myrtle Wilson. The film was directed by Jack Clayton and produced by David Merrick from a screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola.
How do the characters in The Great Gatsby affect today's society?
The characters from The Great Gatsby are still relevant to our society today. Many people are still attracted by the power of money and material wealth. How we treat each other, particularly in relationships, can reflect this desire. Too often, people focus on their own needs and desires rather than meaningful connections.
Fortunately, modern society has more resources to help people deal with these problems. such as education, therapy and social services. There is greater awareness of mental health issues today. Ultimately, the era helped inspire laws to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
How did Gatsby get his money?
Jay Gatsby has won a place on millionaire Dan Cody's yacht. Cody promised Gatsby an inheritance. But after Cody's death, Cody's family stopped Gatsby from receiving any money. He had to find other ways to get rich, even through immoral means. He sold alcohol behind drugstore counters with Meyer Wolfsheim. Despite his criminal activities, Gatsby ended up making a fortune. He used his fortune to try to win Daisy's heart.
Why did Jay Gatsby lie about his past?
Gatsby is probably lying about his past because he wants to reinvent himself. He believes a new name and wealth will get him what he wants and hide his humble beginnings.
Why did Daisy marry Tom Buchanan?
Daisy married Tom for luxury and because she thought Gatsby would not return. Daisy comes from a wealthy family and expects a life of luxury. She is also beautiful and charming, making her desirable prey for Tom.
Why does Gatsby call Nick a sporty old man?
There are a few potential reasons why Gatsby might call Nick that nickname. One possibility is that he has a sense of camaraderie with Nick because they are both from the Midwest. Gatsby could also see Nick as a symbol of hope and possibility.
Is Nick in love with Gatsby?
No, Nick is not in love with Gatsby. Gatsby's lifestyle and mysterious past fascinate Nick. He also admires his persistence. But Nick never justifies Gatsby's means to fulfill his dream.
How old is Jay Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby is in his late 30s.
How does Gatsby die?
George Wilson killed Gatsby in his swimming pool. George thought that Gatsby was responsible for the car accident that killed his wife, Myrtle. Consumed by grief and revenge, he goes to Gatsby's mansion and shoots him before taking his own life. Gatsby's death epitomizes the downfall of the Roaring Twenties. It was an era of reckless spending that led to the Great Depression.
How does Myrtle die?
When Mertle's husband George found out about her affair with Tom Buchanan, he locked her in a room. He threatened violence if she didn't give up. One day, Myrtle ran into the road to get away from George. Daisy hit her with Gatsby's car, killing her.
Myrtle longed for the life of luxury enjoyed by the upper class. She thought she had found her way when she started an affair with Tom Buchanan.
What makes Gatsby great?
Gatsby's extraordinary optimism and determination to make his dreams a reality was remarkable. Born on a farm in North Dakota, he worked hard to gain the wealth and social status he desired.
Gatsby met Daisy while preparing to become an officer in Louisville. He immediately fell in love and was willing to do whatever it took to gain her approval. Through his criminal activities, Gatsby managed to amass a fortune. He allowed her to buy a Gothic mansion in West Egg and throw lavish parties every Saturday night. His ambition and drive are what made him great despite his profound flaws as an individual.
What is Gatsby's past?
James Gatz was born on a farm in North Dakota. He met Daisy while training to be an officer in Louisville. When he returned from the war, winning a place on millionaire Dan Cody's yacht, he changed his name to Jay Gatsby.
What is Gatsby's real name?
Jay Gatsby's real name was James Gatz. Gatsby changed his name when he was offered a place on millionaire Dan Cody's yacht.
Why did Gatsby change his name?
Jay Gatsby changed his name to make it more aristocratic and to get away from his family and rudeness. The only thing he wanted to hide from his past was his love for Daisy.
Character analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird
Summary of The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in jazz-age America in the summer of 1922. The story follows Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who lives in the fictional West Egg on Long Island. He throws extravagant parties for his many acquaintances. But the real reason is to get back together with Daisy Buchanan, his lost love who lives across the bay in East Egg.
The novel tackles themes of love, ambition and privilege as Gatsby struggles to make Daisy fall in love with him all over again. He thinks getting rich and throwing lavish parties will impress her. In the end, Gatsby fails in his mission and meets a tragic end. Daisy accidentally kills her husband's mistress while driving Gatsby's car. The husband kills Gatsby because he thinks he's the one who killed his wife.
The novel is an exploration of tragedy and the consequences of greedy ambition. The Great Gatsby characters didn't understand that money can't buy true love or happiness. The Great Gatsby provides a timeless commentary on the human condition. It illustrates the greed and corruption that can result from pursuing the American dream.
25 Important Meanings of Gatsby Quotes Explained
Conclusion
Fitzgerald published The Great Gatsby nearly a century ago, but its themes remain relevant today. The novel's characters represent a cross section of American society. And his actions and motivations continue to resonate with readers. If you want to deepen your understanding of the novel, check out our post on Great Gatsby Quotes with Page Numbers.
75 Great Gatsby quotes with page numbers
FAQs
What do the characters represent in The Great Gatsby? ›
The characters of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby represent a specific segment of 1920s American society: the rich hedonists of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's own experiences during this era form the basis of the novel.
What are three main characters in The Great Gatsby? ›There are four main characters in The Great Gatsby: Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby. They are connected in a very interesting way, and each one impacts the others. Nick and Tom knew each other in college, and Tom marries Daisy, who is Nick's twice-removed cousin.
Who is the most important character in The Great Gatsby and why? ›Jay Gatsby
The title character and protagonist of the novel, Gatsby is a fabulously wealthy young man living in a Gothic mansion in West Egg. He is famous for the lavish parties he throws every Saturday night, but no one knows where he comes from, what he does, or how he made his fortune.
- The Protagonist.
- The Antagonist.
- The Confidant.
- The Love Interest.
If Gatsby represents one part of Fitzgerald's personality, the flashy celebrity who pursued and glorified wealth in order to impress the woman he loved, then Nick represents another part: the quiet, reflective Midwesterner adrift in the lurid East.
Who is the most moral character in The Great Gatsby? ›When he first goes to a party at Gatsby's, he seeks Gatsby out (presumably to thank him for his invitation), while the others at the party gossip about Gatsby and enjoy themselves. Similarly, after Gatsby's death, Nick is the only one who shows concern. Nick can therefore be seen as the moral compass of the story.
What does Daisy symbolize in The Great Gatsby? ›Daisy Buchannan is made to represent the lack of virtue and morality that was present during the 1920s. She is the absolute center of Gatsby's world right up to his death, but she is shown to be uncaring and fickle throughout the novel.
What are 5 symbols in The Great Gatsby? ›- The Green Light and the Color Green. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is the symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams. ...
- The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. ...
- The Valley of Ashes. ...
- East and West. ...
- Gatsby's Mansion.
...
Heroic traits:
- He is a self-made man.
- He is a dreamer, full of hope.
- He is in love.
Tom Buchanan is the main antagonist in The Great Gatsby . An aggressive and physically imposing man, Tom represents the biggest obstacle standing between Gatsby and Daisy's reunion. For much of the novel Tom exists only as an idea in Gatsby's mind.
Did Nick Carraway have a crush on Gatsby? ›
In that novel, Nick loves Gatsby, the erstwhile James Gatz of North Dakota, for his capacity to dream Jay Gatsby into being and for his willingness to risk it all for the love of a beautiful woman. In a queer reading of Gatsby, Nick doesn't just love Gatsby, he's in love with him.
What are the 4 major themes in The Great Gatsby? ›In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald offers up commentary on a variety of themes -- justice, power, greed, betrayal, the American dream, and so on. Of all the themes, perhaps none is more well developed than that of social stratification.
What is Gatsby's fatal flaw? ›Gatsby's tragic flaw is his inability to wake up from his dream of the past and accept reality. His obsession with recapturing his past relationship with Daisy compels him to a life of crime and deceit.
Who is the most misunderstood character in The Great Gatsby? ›Out of all the characters in the book, Daisy is the least understood. Fingers point at her as a villain, some as a pitiful woman. Although most readers think of her as evil and two-faced, we must think of the age when The Great Gatsby was written.
Who is the most flawed character in The Great Gatsby? ›Character Analysis Daisy Buchanan. Daisy is The Great Gatsby's most enigmatic, and perhaps most disappointing, character. Although Fitzgerald does much to make her a character worthy of Gatsby's unlimited devotion, in the end she reveals herself for what she really is.
What are the two most important character in the story? ›Antagonist Characters. The conflict between a protagonist and an antagonist—a story's two most essential characters—is an age-old storytelling trope.
What is the main character of a story? ›A main character is: the central character of the story, the one that the reader follows through the story or account. The main character is usually involved in the problems of the tale, the climax, and its resolution.
Who are the main characters meaning? ›Main characters are the characters with the most amount of influence on the plot or the characters that the plot has the most influence on. There are a few different ways in which you can classify main characters in a story: flat or round characters, protagonist or antagonist, and dynamic or static characters.
What was the main role of the main character? ›The main character is a central character who acts as the audience surrogate—we experience the story through their eyes. The main character is involved in the story, interacts with the secondary characters, and is personally impacted by the plot's main conflict.
Does Nick Carraway sleep with Mr McKee? ›McKee did not sleep together or even if Fitzgerald did not mean to imply as much, the fact that Mr. McKee and Nick are together in their underwear is not typical for two heterosexual men in the 1920s.
What does Jay Gatsby symbolize? ›
Jay Gatsby represent the American dream life in the 1920's and the story tells us of how some people will do anything to get what they want even if that means earning their riches through criminal acts.
What does the green light symbolize to Nick? ›Nick first sees Gatsby stretching his arms towards a green light at the end of Daisy's dock. Here, the green light is a symbol of hope.
Who symbolizes God in The Great Gatsby? ›The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are a pair of fading, bespectacled eyes painted on an old advertising billboard over the valley of ashes. They may represent God staring down upon and judging American society as a moral wasteland, though the novel never makes this point explicitly.
Which character is the most morally corrupt in The Great Gatsby? ›Daisy is corrupt in The Great Gatsby along with her husband, Tom Buchanan. Daisy is a corrupt character through her selfish actions and criminal activities.
Who is the most honest in The Great Gatsby? ›f. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby explores the idea of honesty and how seemingly impossible it is to achieve. It is inferred over and over that nick is the only character who is truly honest, but that fact is no human is capable of being unbiased.
Did Daisy ever love Gatsby? ›Although Daisy may have loved Gatsby once, she does not love him more than the wealth, status, and freedom that she has with Tom.
What does Daisy's daughter symbolize? ›Representation. Pammy most likely represents a younger version of Daisy. Daisy wishes that her baby girl will be a fool like her so she ends up married and well off with a rich man. She also wants her daughter to be a fool so she is protected.
What does Myrtle symbolize in The Great Gatsby? ›Myrtle (and her husband George) represent the lower classes. They live in the 'valley of ashes', an area literally and symbolically impoverished, a great contrast to the luxury of the mansions of Long Island.
What does yellow symbolize in Gatsby? ›Yellow is the most common color appeared in the novel. First, it symbolizes money, materialism and high social position, such as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's enormous yellow spectacles and Gatsby's golden tie. Second, it symbolizes luxury and greed when the author describes Daisy as a golden woman.
What does West Egg symbolize? ›West Egg itself represents new money, and what it means to go from extreme poverty to endless money in only a matter of years. Gatsby is a great symbol of this because he grew up poor and did not have a family who could give him money.
What is the biggest symbol in The Great Gatsby? ›
Gatsby's dream, personified in the green light, is the primary symbol of the novel and ties into Fitzgerald's overwhelming critique of the American Dream throughout the novel. Gatsby's car has many roles throughout the novel, so much so, it could even be considered a secondary character.
What does Gatsby's smile symbolize? ›This description of Gatsby's smile captures both the theatrical quality of Gatsby's character and his charisma. Additionally, it encapsulates the manner in which Gatsby appears to the outside world, an image Fitzgerald slowly deconstructs as the novel progresses toward Gatsby's death in Chapter 8.
Who does Gatsby love? ›Relationship 1: Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. The relationship at the very heart of The Great Gatsby is, of course, Gatsby and Daisy, or more specifically, Gatsby's tragic love of (or obsession with) Daisy, a love that drives the novel's plot.
What personality type is Nick Carraway? ›Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby
INTPs are also honest and straightforward, qualities Nick Carraway proudly speaks of when referring to himself.
Jay Gatsby is shot to death in the swimming pool of his mansion by George Wilson, a gas-station owner who believes Gatsby to be the hit-and-run driver who killed his wife, Myrtle.
Who kills Gatsby in the end? ›Chapter 8 displays the tragic side of the American dream as Gatsby is gunned down by George Wilson. The death is brutal, if not unexpected, and brings to an end the life of the paragon of idealism. The myth of Gatsby will continue, thanks to Nick who relays the story, but Gatsby's death loudly marks the end of an era.
Is Daisy evil Gatsby? ›Type of Villain
Daisy "Fay" Buchanan is the villainous tritagonist in The Great Gatsby. She symbolizes the amoral values of the aristocratic East Egg and was partially inspired by Fitzgerald's wife Zelda Fitzgerald.
While all five are at the Buchanans' house, Tom leaves the room to speak with his mistress on the phone and Daisy boldly kisses Gatsby, declaring her love for him.
Is Nick in love with Jordan? ›I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity. As his first party at Gatsby's mansion winds down, Nick describes his growing romantic interest in Jordan Baker. The courtship between Nick and Jordan never takes center stage, but Nick mentions his shifting feelings toward her throughout the novel.
Do Nick and Jordan Kiss In The Great Gatsby? ›Each of the men, Nick realizes, is motivated by his desire to be loved by a "disembodied face float[ing] along the dark cornices." Nick, feeling empty at the realization he has no such dream, pulls Jordan closer to him, ending the chapter with a kiss.
What is the main theme of Gatsby? ›
The Great Gatsby, by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel set on Long Island in the 1920s that uses its characters to explore themes of materialism and the American Dream.
What is the main message in The Great Gatsby? ›Lesson Summary
The moral of The Great Gatsby is that the American Dream is ultimately unattainable. Jay Gatsby had attained great wealth and status as a socialite; however, Gatsby's dream was to have a future with his one true love, Daisy.
The Great Gatsby's main characters are clearly divided among three social classes: the wealthy elite social class; the nouveau riche, or newly-rich social class; and the working class.
Who is to blame for Gatsby's downfall? ›Tom Buchanan
In this story, one may argue that Tom is the most responsible for Gatsby's demise. Even though he was not responsible for pulling the trigger, his deeds resulted in Gatsby's murder. Tom accuses Gatsby of Myrtle's death to her Husband instead of Daisy (Persson, 2019).
Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. As the novel progresses and Fitzgerald deconstructs Gatsby's self-presentation, Gatsby reveals himself to be an innocent, hopeful young man who stakes everything on his dreams, not realizing that his dreams are unworthy of him.
What was Gatsby accused of? ›Tom asks Gatsby about his intentions for Daisy, and Gatsby replies that Daisy loves him, not Tom. Tom claims that he and Daisy have a history that Gatsby could not possibly understand. He then accuses Gatsby of running a bootlegging operation.
Who are the main characters in The Great Gatsby Chapter 1? ›The characters in The Great Gatsby chapter 1 are Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Jay Gatsby.
Is Nick the main character or Gatsby? ›Nick Carraway is the narrator, or storyteller, of The Great Gatsby, but he is not the story's protagonist, or main character. Instead, Jay Gatsby is the protagonist of the novel that bears his name. Tom Buchanan is the book's antagonist, opposing Gatsby's attempts to get what he wants: Tom's wife Daisy.
What does Daisy Buchanan symbolize? ›Daisy Buchannan is made to represent the lack of virtue and morality that was present during the 1920s. She is the absolute center of Gatsby's world right up to his death, but she is shown to be uncaring and fickle throughout the novel.
Who are the main characters in The Great Gatsby Chapter 2? ›- Nick Carraway. Nick is the novel's main character and narrator. ...
- Tom Buchanan. Tom is an intimidating and masculine man who is married to Nick's cousin, Daisy. ...
- Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is married to George Wilson and is having an affair with Tom. ...
- George Wilson. ...
- Catherine. ...
- Mr.
Who is Gatsby secretly in love with? ›
Relationship 1: Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. The relationship at the very heart of The Great Gatsby is, of course, Gatsby and Daisy, or more specifically, Gatsby's tragic love of (or obsession with) Daisy, a love that drives the novel's plot.
Is Nick in love with Gatsby? ›In that novel, Nick loves Gatsby, the erstwhile James Gatz of North Dakota, for his capacity to dream Jay Gatsby into being and for his willingness to risk it all for the love of a beautiful woman. In a queer reading of Gatsby, Nick doesn't just love Gatsby, he's in love with him.
Who is the villain in The Great Gatsby? ›Tom Buchanan is the main antagonist in The Great Gatsby . An aggressive and physically imposing man, Tom represents the biggest obstacle standing between Gatsby and Daisy's reunion. For much of the novel Tom exists only as an idea in Gatsby's mind.
Who is the most relatable character in The Great Gatsby? ›Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, was an all-too-relatable blend of humble and snob.
Why is Nick Carraway in a mental hospital? ›First, Luhrmann made the curious decision to begin the story with Nick Carraway (our first-person narrator played by Tobey Maguire) writing in a patient's journal after ending up in a mental hospital due to “morbid alcoholism, fits of anger, insomnia.” According to Mike Hogan's (Executive Arts and Entertainment Editor ...
Is Gatsby a liar chapter 4? ›Sadly, Gatsby isn't even a good liar and he continues to tell his story, as if telling it will make it so.