The Great Gatsby- Character Profiles

Question 1

J Gatz (Jay Gatsby)- Protagonist of the novel

Answer 1

Gatsby symbolises hope and the ‘American Dream’, to motivate yourself personally to achieve something you aspire to do. In Gatsby’s case this was becoming rich and getting Daisy back after he comes back from the war. because he came from being a poor person, “unsuccessful farm people”, to becoming one of the richest men in the novel. He represents independence to work hard and achieve your dreams.

Question 2

Tom Buchanan- Antagonist of the novel

Answer 2

Tom Buchanan is the antagonist, as his aim is to stop Gatsby from taking his wife (Daisy) and falling in love with her.

• He’s not self made and has got his wealth from inheritance from family.
• Opposing the ‘American Dream’, and the ability to stand on your own two feet to reach success with hard work, and dedication (which he doesn’t have).
• He’s also very racist (‘rise of the coloured empires’), arrogant and self centred.
• Uncaring towards others other than himself- Selfishly declines George’s offer to fix up one of his car’s, which would benefit George financially (as he’s desperate for the money).

Question 3

Nick Carraway

Answer 3

Nick is the speaker of the novel, and we get everything from his point of view.

• He’s very good friends with both Gatsby (who he idolises) and Tom (who are polar opposites), and stands as middle ground and is on no one’s side.
• He comes from the mid west to start his own bonds company, and work to success.
• Moves into West Egg, next door to Gatsby.
• Cousin with Daisy
• The most caring and pure of all of the characters in the novel

Question 4

Meyer Wolfsheim

Answer 4

Meyer Wolsheim’s one of Gatsby’s closest friends and business partners.
-Is Gatsby’s aid in making his fortune illegally, through organised crime.

Question 5

George Wilson

Answer 5

Represents the poor classes in America at the time, and lives in ‘The Valley of Ashes’.

• Does business with Tom Buchanan (repairing and upgrading his cars)
• Owns his own car garage
• Married to Myrtle

Question 6

Myrtle Wilson

Answer 6

Myrtle Wilson is a lower class women of America at the time, and is married to George Wilson, so therefore helps him run his business (saleswoman).

• Has a secret affair with George with Tom Buchanan
• Is tragically killed by Tom Buchanan; which is covered up, and blamed on Gatsby.

Question 7

Jordan Baker

Answer 7

• Daisy’s friend
• Professional golfer
• Represents a ‘new woman’ because of her independence to be successful
• Self centered
• Cheats in her tournament to win (no morals)
• Continually bends the truth

Question 8

Daisy Buchanan

Answer 8

Daisy Buchanan represents a trophy, as she’s put on a pedestal by Gatsby.

• Married to Tom
• Was in love with Gatsby
• Witty/smart
• Elegant
• Careless/retreats behind her money