The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Like people throughout life, characters within a novel
change throughout the story. In looking openly at the characters and each
unique quality, a reader is able to see the character’s transformation and the
roles each play in the plot. Thus, in analyzing the qualities and roles of both
Nick and Jay Gatsby, the reader is able to connect to and understand the story.
Nick Carraway initially appears as an innocent and simple
flat character, but as the novel progresses, he develops into a more complex
and challenging role. As a dyamic character, Nick first acts as a bystander and
observer, but as the novel moves forward, becomes more directly involved in
matters such as the affair between Daisy and Gatsby. He faces internal
conflicts of staying true and honest to his morals and values and external
conflicts with his old college friend, Tom, as he becomes involved in the
secrets of his relationships and affairs. Nick’s dominant traits in the
beginning are his hopefulness and trust in societies promises, but at the end
of the novel, he is a much more nostalgic and past focused.
Jay Gatsby, the source of mystery and focus in the novel,
acts as a round character with a secret past and false identity. He stays fairly
static as he focuses throughout the novel solely on his love for Daisy.
Internally, Gatsby faces conflict in questioning if Daisy will still and always
love him and in achieving his American dream. Externally, Gatsby is confronted
by conflict with his questionable business and Tom. Throughout this, his significant actions
include the ever popular parties, his forming a friendship with Nick, and his
pursuit of Daisy’s love. He is characterized by the rumors that evolve him and
his own lies of deceit. He is also characterized, though, by strong values,
intelligence, and selfless love.
As the story progresses, it is the tale of each character,
both present and past, that moves the plot forward. While “You can’t repeat the
past (Page 110),” the past becomes invaluable to understanding the future. In
knowing the qualities of each character and seeing their transformations, one
is able to see the full plot of the story.
As with every person, there is a story behind every character.
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