Keyword Guide · character-analysis
Understanding the complex figures in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel is essential for analyzing its themes of wealth, class, and the elusive American Dream. This guide provides a structured breakdown of the primary and secondary characters to help you prepare for essays and exams.
Jay Gatsby, born James Gatz, represents the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream. He is defined by his 'extraordinary gift for hope' and his obsessive desire to repeat the past. Gatsby transforms himself from a poor Midwesterner into a mysterious millionaire to win back Daisy Buchanan. His character highlights the tension between 'new money' and the established social elite.
As the narrator, Nick Carraway provides the lens through which we view the 1920s. Hailing from the Midwest, he prides himself on his honesty, though his reliability is often debated. Nick functions as both an insider and an outsider, facilitating the meetings between Gatsby and Daisy while growing increasingly disillusioned with the moral decay of East Coast society.
Daisy and Tom Buchanan embody the 'old money' class of East Egg. Daisy is presented as a delicate, golden girl who is ultimately paralyzed by her social standing and wealth. Tom is characterized by his physical dominance and arrogance. Together, they represent a destructive carelessness, retreating into their money whenever their actions cause chaos for those around them.
Living in the Valley of Ashes, the Wilsons serve as a stark contrast to the opulence of the Eggs. Myrtle Wilson seeks social mobility through an affair with Tom, while George is a hardworking man beaten down by his environment. Their tragic fates illustrate how the American Dream often remains out of reach for the working class, serving as collateral damage for the wealthy.
Nick claims to be 'one of the few honest people' he has known, but his personal biases and affection for Gatsby suggest he may be an unreliable narrator who filters the story through his own perspective.
East Egg characters like the Buchanans represent inherited 'old money' and social grace, while West Egg characters like Gatsby represent 'new money,' often viewed as gaudy or lacking proper social standing.
While platforms like SparkNotes and LitCharts provide excellent character summaries, this guide focuses on structural analysis and thematic connections specifically designed for high school and college essay prompts.
Continue in App
Don't spend hours struggling with character maps. Download Readi.AI on the App Store (id6758831794) today for instant literature support, essay brainstorming, and study tools tailored to your assignments.
