Keyword Guide · book-summary

The Great Gatsby: Complete Book Summary & Study Guide

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel is a defining critique of 1920s American excess, told through the eyes of a Midwestern transplant to Long Island. This summary breaks down the core plot, themes, and character arcs to help you grasp the story’s key messages fast. We’ve also included study tools to prepare you for class assignments and assessments.

Get Readi.AI (iOS) Open App Redirect

great gatsby book summary study illustration

Core Plot Summary

Narrated by aspiring writer Nick Carraway, the story centers on mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who throws lavish weekend parties at his Long Island mansion. Gatsby’s true goal is to reconnect with Daisy Buchanan, a married socialite he loved years before. As Nick becomes entangled in Gatsby’s world, he witnesses the gap between the wealthy’s glamorous facade and their moral emptiness, culminating in a tragic chain of events that exposes the futility of chasing a perfect, distant dream.

Key Character Breakdown

Jay Gatsby: A self-made millionaire whose obsession with recapturing the past drives every choice. His wealth masks a deep insecurity about his humble origins. Daisy Buchanan: A privileged, conflicted woman torn between her husband Tom and her former lover Gatsby. She symbolizes the hollow allure of old money. Nick Carraway: The story’s moral compass, whose outsider perspective highlights the corruption of the 1920s elite. Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s arrogant, unfaithful husband, representing the entitled old-money class that dismisses Gatsby as an imposter.

Central Themes to Analyze

The American Dream’s corruption: Fitzgerald critiques the idea that wealth and status guarantee happiness, showing how Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy becomes a hollow, destructive quest. The gap between illusion and reality: Gatsby’s parties and lavish lifestyle are a performance to impress Daisy, hiding his loneliness and desperation. The decay of the Jazz Age: The novel exposes the moral bankruptcy of the wealthy, who prioritize pleasure over accountability.

Practical Study Structure for Assignments

For class discussions: Focus on one theme per conversation, and tie character actions to that theme (e.g., how Gatsby’s lies support the illusion vs. reality theme). For quizzes: Create flashcards for key plot points, character motivations, and theme definitions. For essays: Pick a narrow thesis, such as how weather mirrors emotional turning points, and use 2-3 character-driven examples to support your claim.

What’s the main takeaway from The Great Gatsby?

The novel’s core takeaway is that the American Dream, when tied to materialism and an obsession with the past, is ultimately unattainable and destructive.

How long will it take to memorize this summary for a quiz?

Most students can grasp the key plot, characters, and themes in 15-20 minutes. Pair the summary with flashcards to lock in details for a quiz in under an hour.

Can this summary help with essay writing?

Yes. Use the theme and character breakdowns to identify a clear thesis, then use plot beats from the summary to build supporting evidence for your argument.

Continue in App

Ace Your Great Gatsby Assignments with Readi.AI

Download the Readi.AI iOS app (id6758831794) to get instant, tailored The Great Gatsby study guides, essay outlines, and quiz prep. It’s designed specifically for lit students to save time and boost grades—available exclusively on the App Store.

Download on App Store Explore Features