Many famous compositions that were written in the past, but not from this time period, are lost forever. However, some novels are popular generation after generation. Francis Scott Fitzgerald has been called one of America’s most influential writers in the 20th century. The Great Gatsby is his most famous work. The Great Gatsby’s characters will examine how each character is portrayed through their actions in the face prosperity. It is evident which characters have the greatest admiration and which are most vile.

The novel’s narrator Nick Carraway is a wonderful character. Nick, a former outcast, is shown to be more practical and honest than he has become. The story unfolds and Nick’s character begins to lose some of his charm. He is constantly surrounded by chaos as he chases the American Dream. Nick is a neutral character. He has been confidant, loyal and keeps his judgments to himself. Nick was the only character to offer Gatsby advice on Daisy. Nick is known for being a good character because he can see the best even in fake people. He is a good friend to Gatsby. Gatsby has a conversation with Nick about his past and Nick comments that they are a “rotten lot”. You are more than the entire bunch of them put together. The novel’s last chapter showed Nick thinking Gatsby was a good man regardless of what his friends thought. Daisy Buchanan appears to do only what is easiest for her. She can be manipulative and will pretend to be innocent. Nick Carraway, Nick’s cousin, sees through her. It’s a shame that characters like Gatsby don’t see it. Daisy knew that Gatsby was in a relationship with Daisy, so it was easy for her take advantage. Jay is willing to do whatever it takes for Daisy. After 5 years of separation, Gatsby suddenly becomes financially secure and believes that flaunting his wealth is the best way to win her heart. Daisy makes Gatsby fall for her by having an affair with Gatsby, takes everything from him, and then returns to Tom. Then she is responsible to him dying. Nick, her cousin, doesn’t believe she is kind-hearted. Nick is upset after Daisy flees West Egg. Figuratively, the “things & creatures” Tom and Daisy smash up is Gatsby. Literally, Tom & Daisy smash Gatsby’s car & Myrtle. Because Daisy chose Tom or Gatsby over herself, the ending would have been different.

Jay Gatsby’s motives are all for himself, making him a disgusting character. When he meets Nick, Daisy’s cousin, he begins to show this. Nick is invited to Gatsby’s party. Jordan Baker approaches Nick, asking him to come to Gatsby’s party. Gatsby knocked at Nick’s house “coincidentally” when Daisy had left. Gatsby has a brief visit with Nick, Daisy, and then invites them both to show Daisy their wealth in the hope they will be re-infatuated. Nick and Gatsby spend most of their novel talking about Daisy. It makes their friendship seem artificial. Near the close of the novel, Nick, Gatsbys, Jordan, and Daisy travel to the Plaza Hotel. There is a lot of turmoil when they get there. Gatsby has been ruining his life to try and get Daisy back. Gatsby will do whatever it takes, even if it means breaking up a family in order to relive his past. Gatsby informs Tom that she never loved him. She married you only because she was tired of waiting on me and I was poor. Although it was a terrible decision, she knew deep down that she loved me more than anyone else. Gatsby’s true colours are revealed at this point when he hurts others to get the things he wants.

Another villainous character is Tom Buchanan. Tom and Nick plan to meet Myrtle Wilson as Tom’s mistress at the beginning. Tom is not respectful of his wife from the beginning. Tom keeps his mistress secret and doesn’t want to break up with his wife. Myrtle’s and Tom’s argument over Daisy leads Tom to hit Myrtle with his fist and break her nose. This reveals Tom’s insatiable desire to do whatever he pleases, regardless of whether it is cheating on wife or hitting mistress. Tom is not interested in Daisy until Gatsby reveals his love for her. Tom defends himself, insulting Daisy. Based on what he has read, Tom implies that he is racist. The dominant race must watch out for other races, or they will control the situation. This is evidence of Tom’s arrogance and belief in his superiority. He believes he can do whatever he likes. Not to be outdone, Tom also told George Wilson that Gatsby had killed his wife. He knew that Gatsby would die.

In conclusion, this essay reveals which characters are admirable. Each character reveals their weaknesses and strengths, which lead to their respective downfalls. The American Dream was meant to enhance life, not vice versa.