The Great Gatsby: Key Plot Points and Character Analysis

Posted on Apr 17, 2026 in Archaeology

The Great Gatsby: Plot and Character Analysis

Key Plot Questions

  • 1. Why does Nick move to New York? Nick moves to New York to work in the bond business and start a new life.
  • 2. Who lives in the Valley of Ashes? George Wilson and Myrtle Wilson live in the Valley of Ashes.
  • 3. How are Nick and Daisy related? Nick and Daisy are cousins.
  • 4. Explain how Gatsby’s reunion with Daisy happened and where it took place. Gatsby’s reunion with Daisy happened at Nick’s house. Nick invited Daisy over for tea, and Gatsby came to see her there.
  • 5. What kind of person is Tom? Tom is arrogant, rich, controlling, and aggressive.
  • 6. With whom does Nick have a brief, romantic relationship? Nick has a brief romantic relationship with Jordan Baker.
  • 7. Why does Gatsby throw his weekly parties? Gatsby throws weekly parties because he hopes Daisy will come to one of them.
  • 8. Describe Gatsby’s parties. Gatsby’s parties are extravagant, crowded, and full of music, dancing, food, and alcohol.
  • 9. What is unusual about Gatsby’s parties? Many people attend without being invited.
  • 10. When Nick learns about Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship, how does he react, and what does this reveal about his character? Nick helps Gatsby reunite with her, revealing that he is kind, loyal, and willing to help others.
  • 11. Who was Gatsby’s partner in his illicit business activities? Gatsby’s partner was Meyer Wolfsheim.
  • 12. How does Nick meet Gatsby? Nick meets Gatsby at one of his parties.
  • 13. What is George Wilson’s occupation? George Wilson is a mechanic and owns a garage.
  • 14. Where did Nick live before moving to Gatsby’s neighborhood? Nick lived in the Midwest.
  • 15. Why does Gatsby take the blame for the accident? Gatsby wants to protect Daisy.
  • 16. What happened with George at the end of the story? George Wilson shoots Gatsby and then kills himself.
  • 17. What does Nick realize about the people in Gatsby’s life? Nick realizes that most people in Gatsby’s life were selfish and only cared about his money and parties.
  • 18. Why does Nick decide to return home? Nick is disappointed by the dishonesty and selfishness he sees in New York.
  • 19. Do you think wealth brings happiness in the novel? Wealth does not always bring happiness. Gatsby is rich but unhappy because he cannot be with Daisy; Tom and Daisy are wealthy but careless and unhappy.
  • 20. Whose car was involved in the hit and run? Gatsby’s car.
  • 21. Explain how Myrtle Wilson died. Myrtle Wilson died when Daisy, driving Gatsby’s car, hit her and did not stop.
  • 22. Who kills Gatsby and why? George Wilson kills Gatsby because Tom makes him believe Gatsby was responsible for Myrtle’s death.
  • 23. Did Daisy love Gatsby? Who did she end up with? Daisy loved Gatsby in the past, but she stayed with Tom Buchanan.
  • 24. Who attended Gatsby’s funeral? Nick Carraway and Gatsby’s father, Henry C. Gatz.
  • 25. Who is the author of this novel? F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Character Profiles

  • Nick Carraway: Narrator of the story and Gatsby’s neighbor.
  • Jay Gatsby: Wealthy man who loves Daisy and throws large parties.
  • Daisy Buchanan: Gatsby’s former love and Tom’s wife.
  • Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s husband, rich, arrogant, and unfaithful.
  • Jordan Baker: Daisy’s friend and Nick’s romantic interest.
  • Myrtle Wilson: Tom’s mistress and George Wilson’s wife.
  • George Wilson: Myrtle’s husband and owner of a garage.