Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” is a wealthy and mysterious figure known for his extravagant parties and unyielding love for Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby’s character embodies the themes of ambition, love, and the American Dream, as he rises from humble beginnings to immense wealth, all in pursuit of his idealized vision of Daisy. His relentless pursuit of love and acceptance ultimately leads to tragic consequences, making him a symbol of both hope and despair in the Jazz Age.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy Buchanan is a central character in “The Great Gatsby,” representing beauty, wealth, and the allure of the American Dream. She is the object of Gatsby’s affection and embodies the complexities of love and desire. Daisy’s character is often seen as shallow and self-absorbed, yet she also reflects the societal pressures and constraints placed upon women in the 1920s. Her choices and actions significantly impact Gatsby’s fate, highlighting the interplay between love and social status in the novel.

Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband, is a powerful and aggressive character who epitomizes the old money elite of East Egg. His character is marked by arrogance, racism, and a sense of entitlement, which he uses to manipulate those around him. Tom’s infidelity and disdain for Gatsby reveal the underlying tensions between social classes and the moral decay of the wealthy. His confrontational nature and possessive attitude towards Daisy create a significant conflict in the narrative, driving the plot towards its tragic conclusion.

Nick Carraway

Nick Carraway serves as the narrator of “The Great Gatsby,” providing a unique perspective on the events and characters within the story. As a cousin to Daisy and a friend to Gatsby, Nick is both an observer and participant in the unfolding drama. His moral compass and reflective nature allow readers to navigate the complexities of the characters’ motivations and actions. Through Nick’s eyes, the themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of the American Dream are explored, making him a crucial figure in understanding the narrative.

Jordan Baker

Jordan Baker is a professional golfer and a close friend of Daisy Buchanan, representing the modern woman of the 1920s. Her character is characterized by a sense of independence and a certain moral ambiguity, reflecting the changing societal norms of the time. Jordan’s relationship with Nick Carraway adds depth to the narrative, as she embodies both the allure and the emptiness of the Jazz Age lifestyle. Her presence in the story highlights the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.

Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle Wilson is Tom Buchanan’s mistress and a key figure in the exploration of class disparity in “The Great Gatsby.” Her character represents the struggles of those seeking to escape their social circumstances, as she yearns for a life of luxury and sophistication. Myrtle’s tragic fate serves as a stark contrast to the lives of the wealthy characters, illustrating the harsh realities of the American Dream. Her desire for a better life ultimately leads to her downfall, emphasizing the novel’s themes of ambition and the consequences of desire.

George Wilson

George Wilson, Myrtle’s husband, is a struggling mechanic who represents the working class in “The Great Gatsby.” His character is marked by despair and hopelessness, reflecting the impact of the American Dream on those who are unable to attain it. George’s love for Myrtle and his eventual confrontation with Gatsby highlight the tragic consequences of infidelity and the pursuit of wealth. His actions in the latter part of the novel serve as a catalyst for the story’s climax, underscoring the interconnectedness of the characters’ fates.

Owl Eyes

Owl Eyes is a minor yet significant character in “The Great Gatsby,” known for his fascination with Gatsby’s extravagant parties and his keen observations about the truth behind the façade of wealth. He represents the voice of reason amidst the chaos of the Jazz Age, recognizing the emptiness of the materialistic lifestyle. Owl Eyes’ presence at Gatsby’s funeral underscores the theme of isolation and the fleeting nature of fame, as he is one of the few attendees who truly understands Gatsby’s tragic story.

Klipspringer

Ewing Klipspringer, often referred to as “the boarder,” is a character who epitomizes the superficiality of Gatsby’s social circle. He is a freeloader who takes advantage of Gatsby’s hospitality, highlighting the transient nature of relationships in the world of wealth and excess. Klipspringer’s indifference to Gatsby’s death and his focus on material gain serve as a critique of the moral decay present in the society depicted in the novel. His character reinforces the theme of loneliness and the emptiness of the American Dream.