The Great Gatsby Character Analysis

Questions and Answers

What is Nick Carraway's personality like?

Well dressed, nerdy, light and open minded; speaks eloquently; likes to learn about other people while reserving his own judgments.

Where is Nick Carraway from and what is his educational background?

From Chicago, went to Yale.

What is Nick Carraway's aspiration in New York?

Trying to get into the stock business.

What is Nick Carraway's relationship to Gatsby?

Has an obsession over Gatsby and wants to make money and be successful/powerful like Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

How do people feel around Nick Carraway?

People are comfortable around him; they trust him and feel as if they can tell him anything. Signup and view all the answers

What is Daisy Buchanan's physical appearance like?

Short blonde hair and a harmonious voice that whispers so people have to lean towards her. Signup and view all the answers

What is Daisy Buchanan's social background?

From the Midwest, lived in France, Chicago, and New York; part of the upper class. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Daisy Buchanan?

Desires security, glamour, a good reputation, and wants her daughter to be a beautiful fool. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom Buchanan's physical description?

Muscular, wears riding clothes, has a deep voice; loud, masculine, and intimidating. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom Buchanan represent in the story?

Old money and high society; embodies attitudes of privilege and entitlement. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker?

Daisy's close friend; slender with gray sun-strained eyes; a famous golfer. Signup and view all the answers

What is Myrtle Wilson's character like?

Middle 30s, stout, wants money, changes dress frequently, tries to impersonate a rich woman. Signup and view all the answers

What is George Wilson's profession?

Owns a car repair shop. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters to their descriptions:

Nick Carraway = Well dressed, open minded, and eloquent. Daisy Buchanan = Short blonde hair, harmonious voice, part of the upper class. Tom Buchanan = Muscular, intimidating, represents old money. Jordan Baker = Slender, a golf champion, involved with Nick. Myrtle Wilson = The mistress, wants money, changes dresses frequently. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nick Carraway

Well-dressed and eloquent, Nick is light-hearted, open-minded, and values learning about others while reserving judgment.
Originates from Chicago; attended Yale and is Daisy Buchanan's cousin.
Aspires to enter the stock business; resides in West Egg, distinguishing himself as having new money.
Obsessed with Jay Gatsby, desires wealth and power reminiscent of Gatsby's status.
Known for his approachable nature that makes others comfortable sharing with him, embodying the role of both insider and outsider.
Serves as a dual perspective character, providing insights from within the social circle while observing from the outside.

Daisy Buchanan

Described as charmingly beautiful with short blonde hair and a harmonious voice that captivates listeners.
Hails from Louisville, Kentucky, and has lived in affluent areas, exemplifying her upper-class background.
Functions as a mother and wife within the elite society, relying on hired help for leisure.
Motivated by luxury and a desire for security; seeks admiration and a polished reputation.
Has a close bond with Nick and is married to Tom while maintaining a friendship with Jordan Baker.
Symbolizes foolishness and a yearning for freedom, aiming for her daughter to be a "beautiful fool" for support and protection.

Tom Buchanan

Physically imposing figure characterized by muscular build, a loud tenor voice, and rugged riding attire.
Represents old money with a background rooted in Chicago; attended Yale where he befriended Nick.
Engages in sports like polo, showcasing his place within high society.
Dominating presence among peers, possessing features like arrogance and indecisiveness.
Married to Daisy, yet involved in an affair with Myrtle Wilson, highlighting his moral ambiguity.

Jordan Baker

Athletic and slender appearance, with gray sun-strained eyes and a nonchalant demeanor.
Comes from an old money background, lacking familial connections in East Egg yet is well-known.
Renowned golfer who thrives on gossip and drama within social circles.
Close companion of Daisy and romantically linked to Nick, yet exhibits disinterest and a superior attitude.

Myrtle Wilson

In her middle thirties, described as stout yet sensuous; speaks in a soft and coarse voice.
Demonstrates a changing wardrobe, reflecting her aspiration for wealth and status.
Assumes the role of the "man" within her troubled marriage with George Wilson, aiming for vitality and a richer life.
Involved with Tom Buchanan as his mistress and connected to Nick through this relationship.

George Wilson

Portrayed as a naive character with a faintly handsome appearance and blue eyes.
Owns a car repair shop, representing the working class in the storyline.
Lives in the bleak valley of ashes with Myrtle, underscoring their disconnected marriage and lower-class status.

Description

Dive into the intriguing characters of 'The Great Gatsby' with this quiz focused on Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan. Explore their backgrounds, personalities, and roles in the story. Test your understanding of how these characters embody the themes of wealth and social status.